House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus) Y |
 |
RANGE: First introduced from Europe in 1850,
became established several years later. Now resident throughout
most of North America, up to the edge of the tundra and south
into Central America.
STATUS: Abundant.
HABITAT: Prefers to stay in the neighborhood of human dwellings;
avoids large forests or other habitat far from human habitation.
During winter, roosts in sheltered places such as open sheds and
unoccupied buildings, under eaves or thick vines, or in a
variety of holes and crevices. Strongest nesting habitat
association in urban and residential areas.
NEST: Constructs nest with grass, string, and any locally
available material, in cavities, crevices, open areas under
eaves, on ledges of buildings, and in trees or shrubs. Nests in
colonies in some areas.
FOOD: Consumes a wide variety of food, most of which is gleaned
from the ground; also eats fruits from trees. Eats a variety of
insects, vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains, and garbage. Is
considered a pest around farms and feedlots, where it eats
livestock feeds. .
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, DeGraff et al. 1980, Forbush and
May 1955, Miller 1999, Shunk 2004, Summers-Smith 1958, 1963. |
