The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a globally widespread songbird, thriving in close association with humans. Native to Eurasia and northern Africa, it has successfully colonized urban and agricultural areas worldwide, including North America, where it was first introduced in New York in 1851. This adaptability, combined with its aggressive nature, allows it to survive even in harsh urban environments and compete with native bird species. This article delves into the dietary habits of the house sparrow, examining its adaptability in food selection, foraging behavior, and nutritional needs.
Identification and Habitat
The house sparrow is a small bird, typically measuring 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 inches) in length and weighing between 24 and 39.5 g (0.85 to 1.39 oz). Males exhibit distinct markings, including a black bib, white cheeks, and a gray crown with a chestnut nape. Females, while less striking, possess a pale buff eyebrow, a plain gray chest, and stripes of black and buff on their brown backs. Their presence is nearly ubiquitous in areas with human habitation, including cities, towns, farms, and even isolated dwellings surrounded by inhospitable terrain. They are rarely found in unaltered natural habitats like dense forests or grasslands.
Generalist Feeding Habits
House sparrows are highly opportunistic feeders, demonstrating a remarkable ability to thrive on a diverse range of food sources. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, but they readily adapt to consume whatever is available, including grains, insects, and human-provided scraps. This dietary flexibility is a key factor in their success across various environments.
Seeds and Grains
The cornerstone of the house sparrow's diet is seeds, particularly those of cereals and weeds. They consume a wide variety of seeds, including:
- Weed and grass seeds
- Waste grain
- Ragweed
- Crabgrass
- Buckwheat
In agricultural areas, they feed on crops such as:
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- Corn
- Oats
- Wheat
- Sorghum
They also readily visit bird feeders, consuming millet, milo, and sunflower seeds.
Insects and Invertebrates
Insects form a crucial part of the house sparrow's diet, especially during the breeding season when they are essential for the growth of young birds. They consume a variety of insects and other invertebrates, including:
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Dipteran flies
- Aphids
- Spiders
- Molluscs
- Crustaceans
- Earthworms
Young house sparrows are primarily fed insects for the first two weeks after hatching, supplemented with small amounts of seeds, spiders, and grit.
Scavenging and Opportunistic Feeding
House sparrows are adept scavengers, particularly in urban environments. They frequently forage for:
- Crumbs and food scraps left by humans
- Garbage in containers
- Leftover food outside restaurants
They have been observed exhibiting complex behaviors to obtain food, such as opening automatic doors to enter supermarkets and clinging to hotel walls to observe balconies. They can also be seen taking smashed insects from the fronts of parked cars or searching tree bark for insects.
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Additional Food Sources
Less frequently, house sparrows may consume:
- Fruit
- Berries
- Vegetables
- Nectar (e.g., robbing kowhai flowers)
They also require grit to aid in the digestion of harder food items.
Foraging Behavior
House sparrows typically forage on the ground, hopping to search for food. They may perch on weed stalks to reach seeds or fly to bird feeders for a variety of offerings. Their adaptability extends to their foraging techniques, allowing them to exploit various food sources in different environments.
Impact on Native Bird Populations
The house sparrow's aggressive nature and dietary habits can negatively impact native bird populations. They compete for nest sites, often evicting native birds and even destroying their eggs. Their ability to thrive on a wide range of food sources allows them to outcompete native species, particularly in human-altered environments.
Sparrow Control and Prevention
House sparrows can cause considerable damage to soffits, facia boards, and even utilities and air conditioning units. House sparrow droppings are not only unsightly, but their waste is associated with over 29 diseases. The World Health Organization reports that birds are the principal hosts for viruses associated with eastern and western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, and even some influenza viruses. When the temperatures drop, frozen droppings can be a slip and fall hazard as well.
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Preventing house sparrows is best left to professionals. Exclusion techniques can be used that are humane and will only encourage the birds to move along - not hurt them. Discouraging house sparrows can be accomplished by promptly removing food scraps and open trash as well as having a professional exclusion expert close up openings around buildings as small as ¼”. Also, be sure to keep trash can lids tightly secured. That will not only help with birds, but will help with rats, mice, flies, cockroaches, and a few others that are attracted to the natural odors trash can emit.