Would you like to know how to tell the difference between house sparrows and tree sparrows and how to identify female and young house sparrows? Then read our fact sheet about the sparrow.
The House Sparrow or House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of our most famous songbirds. The small, brown fellows are true cultural followers and have adapted excellently to human habitats. They cavort in settlements and cities and happily whistle from the roofs - so the well-known image. In fact, however, our little house sparrows are no longer doing so well. For several years, the bird population has been declining so much that the species is now on the Red List early warning list. Here you can find out how you can support the house sparrow in your own garden and everything else you need to know about the little songbird.
House Sparrow: Profile
| Size | About 14 - 15 cm |
| Weight | About 30g |
| Incubation | March - August |
| Lifetime | Up to 14 years |
| Habitat | Wherever there are people |
| Food Preference | Seeds, Buds and Insects |
| Threats | Habitat and food decline |
How to recognize the house sparrow
The house sparrow can be recognized by its compact shape and the typical strong beak. The back and elytra of the birds are striped brown and black and the underside is grey. The crown and cheeks of the house sparrow are also grey. This species can actually only be confused with the tree sparrow. This differs from the house sparrow in that it has a chocolate-brown crown and small, black cheek spots.
Note: By the way, there is no difference between 'sparrow' and 'sparrow'. The two terms refer to the same group of birds. However, the scientifically correct term is 'sparrow'.
How soundsHouse Sparrow Song?
The song of the house sparrow consists of an indefatigable "chilp", which is constantly recited from a high vantage point. The sparrows not only literally whistle from the roofs. When excited or in danger, the house sparrows also emit wild calls: "Tscherret-herett".
You can find a sound recording of the House Sparrow song here:
What is the difference between male and female house sparrows?
Female house sparrows are not quite as conspicuous as the males. While a brown stripe behind the eyes frames the light cheeks of the males, the face of the females is almost uniformly grey. In addition, the throat of the males is adorned with a black stripe, which extends into a more or less large chest patch. This mark is also missing on the female specimens.
Note: Incidentally, the male's black chest patch serves as a status symbol. Its size is related to the fighting prowess of the males and thus to its dominance over others. However, in the plain plumage - outside the breeding season - the breast patch is reduced and the males appear a little less conspicuous.
How do you recognize a baby house sparrow?
Young house sparrows are the likeness of their mothers. The male young birds do not yet show any of the typical characteristics. However, the young house sparrows change into their adult plumage quite early. Less than eight weeks after hatching they lose their youthful appearance and are resplendent in mature plumage before winter sets in.
What do house sparrow eggs look like?
House sparrows lay between three and six eggs per nest. These are about 1.5 centimeters in size, white or gray in color and dotted with brown speckles. The eggs are laid in a spherical, untidy nest made of straw, twigs, leaves, and other available materials. The nest hollow is additionally padded with soft feathers.
What habitat does the house sparrow prefer?
As distinct culture followers, house sparrows are almost only found in the vicinity of human settlements. Agricultural areas with adjacent fields where the little sparrows can look for seeds are best. In addition, in the country there are many old buildings in which the sparrows made holes and nichesfind to breed. But house sparrows can also be found in big cities, breeding in facades and climbing plants.
Where does the house sparrow build its nest?
House sparrows are very creative when it comes to choosing a nesting site. In nature, they nest mainly in tree cavities or old nests of woodpeckers or swallows. As culture followers, however, they breed nowadays mainly in building or wall niches, under roof tiles or in nest boxes. The size of the nest depends on the available cavity and can vary greatly. From time to time free-standing nests are also built. House sparrows also like to breed in small colonies.
When is the house sparrow breeding season?
The breeding season of the house sparrow begins in March and can last until late August. During this time, a breeding pair can rear up to four broods. The eggs are incubated for about two weeks after they are laid. In cold temperatures, however, the incubation period can be extended. After hatching, the young birds are fed in the nest for about 14 days. After that, the little sparrows leave the nest, but continue to be fed. After another two weeks they are completely independent.
Where does the house sparrow spend the winter?
House sparrows are resident birds. This means that they also spend the winter in their breeding area and never stray far from their territories. In winter, however, the birds sometimes gather in large flocks, which go together in search of food.
Note: By the way, house sparrows marry for life. Once a breeding pair has found each other, they remain together for many years, often returning to the same nest site each year.
Support the house sparrow in the garden: This is how it works
The ongoing decline in house sparrows is alarming. Due to the renovation of old buildings and new buildings, there are fewer and fewer places for birds to nest. And the food supply is also decreasing. Find out here how you can support the house sparrow in your own garden.
What do house sparrows eat?
If you want to help out with a gift of food, the question arises: what do the sparrows eat? The small house sparrows feed mainly on seeds. They can be seen in small groups in fields all year round foraging. But leaf buds and smaller insects are also used. Particularlywhile rearing their young, the sparrows mainly collect insects, since the proteins they contain are important for the development of the young birds.
If you want to set up a feeding place for the birds in winter, you should use a classic grain feed. Sunflower seeds and other seeds are gladly accepted. But the sparrows do not despise mealworms either. A good choice for winter feeding is our Plantura bedding for wild birds with lots of high-quality seeds that provide plenty of energy for the cold season.
Which nest boxes are suitable for house sparrows?
House sparrows willingly accept nest boxes. Classic full-cavity nesting boxes, which have a round entrance hole on the front, are suitable for them. This entry hole should be 32 mm wide. Since house sparrows are colony breeders and like to get together in small groups, it makes sense to install several nesting boxes in the immediate vicinity.
Tip: You can easily build such a nest box yourself and turn it into a handicraft project for the whole family.
How can you support the house sparrow?
During the breeding season, house sparrows are increasingly dependent on insects for food. Therefore, do not use chemical sprays, which not only reduce the insect supply, but can also poison the birds through the food chain. You can also breathe new life into your home by creating a bug-friendly garden. Creating a flower meadow, for example with our Plantura beneficial insect magnet, offers a new habitat for a large number of small garden dwellers and also makes our feathered friends happy.
By the way, perennials are particularly helpful if they are only cut back after winter. Because the seeds of thistle, viper's bugloss or wild cardoon and the insects that overwinter in the stems are natural food sources for the birds.
By the way, numerous other bird species, such as the wagtail or the house martin, also enjoy a lively and bustling garden.