House Sparrow

Brief Description

A small, chunky songbird with a thick bill adapted for seed-eating, often found living in close proximity to human settlements.

Additional Information

• Region of Origin: Eurasia and North Africa, though now introduced and widespread globally including the Americas, Australia, and Africa.
• Typical Sighting Period: Year-round (non-migratory in most regions)
• Plumage Details: Males feature a bold chestnut neck, a gray crown, black bib on the throat, and white cheeks. Females and juveniles are a duller sandy-brown with streaked backs and a pale buff eye stripe.
• Ecological Significance: Acts as both a seed disperser and an insect predator during the breeding season; however, in many regions they are considered an invasive species that competes with native cavity-nesting birds.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (though populations have seen significant declines in some native urban areas in Europe).
• Observation Tips: Look for them in urban or suburban settings, especially near outdoor cafes, farms, or backyard bird feeders. They are gregarious and often travel in noisy flocks.