House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
low risk
bird
Overview
Invasive sparrow introduced from Europe. Aggressively competes with native cavity-nesting birds, killing eggs and nestlings.
15cm, males chestnut-brown back, grey crown, black bib. Females streaked brown without bib.
Prevention Strategies
- •Monitor nest boxes frequently and remove house sparrow nests
- •Use boxes with entrance holes appropriate for native species only
- •Trap and remove from nest box areas
Control Methods
- •Remove nests and eggs repeatedly
- •Trap sparrows near nest boxes (legal - invasive species)
- •Use nest box designs that deter sparrows (Peterson boxes)
Interesting Facts
- •Introduced to Central Park, New York in 1851 in mistaken belief they would eat insects
- •Will kill native bird nestlings to claim nest cavities
- •One of the most abundant birds in the world
- •The most widespread bird on Earth, found on every continent except Antarctica