 Male house sparrow –Passer domesticus |
House sparrows are the smallest of the unprotected birds at about 6½ inches long and weighing less than an ounce (Figure 1). Both genders are mostly brown with black streaks above and grayish below. Males have a black throat‐bib flanked by white spots. Immature male house sparrows look like females. Do not confuse house sparrows with native sparrows (i.e., chipping sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, song sparrow) that are beneficial and protected by federal and state regulations. |
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Species Range |
Health and Safety Concerns
These birds can carry and transmit diseases that are infectious to humans. Diseases of particular concern include aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and salmonellosis. In addition, all three bird species may pose significant hazards with bird aircraft strikes at airports
General Biology
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| Nest of a house sparrow. |
- Reproduction– Female house sparrows lay 3 to 9 eggs in a single clutch and may nest twice a year beginning in early April
- Habitat– in both urban and rural areas.
- Food Habits – eat grains, seeds, and suet, increase consumption of insects during the nesting season.
- Voice, Sounds, Tracks, and Signs – loud repetitive “chirp”
See Damage Prevention and Control Methods for Unprotected Birds
The information on this webpage is based on the contents of the Wildlife Control Operator Professional Training Program published by the National Wildlife Control Training Program.