Interesting information on House Sparrows

Sparrows are nuisance and a cause of worry in manufacturing units and food processing plants. As well as blocking up drainage and gutter pipes with their nests, their droppings damage structures, cause unsightly appearance, and spread many infections and diseases.

Here is some interesting information on house sparrows. Knowing about it would make identification easier for you and would help you control them too.

• House Sparrow is a light brown or reddish colored, chubby bird that is about 15 cm long. It weighs almost one pound. A small bird, house sparrow has a broad head and rounded wings.

• The male sparrows have a peculiar black bib, white cheeks, a chestnut mantle around the crown and feathers on the upper wings. The females however have a plain, dingy-grey breast. They have a streaked back and buffy eye stripe.

• House sparrows prefer to live near human dwellings. They are mostly found in cities, farming areas, in and around buildings, in the walls, and under the eves of homes.

• During winters, sparrows create their roosts near the streetlights to keep them warm and protected.

• Sparrows are very sociable and often nest in colonies.

• They usually nest in cavities, however some may nest in trees and bushes too. Their nests are quite dirty, made out of wool, feathers, and vegetation.

• The nest building is carried by the male sparrows. Female sparrows do assist in nest building, but they are not as active as the male counterparts.

• Sparrow nests are bulky and roofed, even though built in a haphazard manner.

• Their population has declined significantly in last few years. Use of mobile phones, unleaded petrol, fewer gardens, and less food for them are some of the reasons that have caused their sudden decline.

• The major predators of house sparrows are cats.

• Sparrows damage structures, cause pest infestations and fire hazards, and are known to spread West Nile virus-a serious infection.

If you find house sparrows infesting in your home, use proper methods to control birds and to safeguard your home.