Animal Profiles
Birds

Sparrow

Passeridae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Sparrows are small seed-eating songbirds. This account describes the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), a familiar bird strongly associated with farms, buildings and other human-modified places.

Passer domesticus (sparrow)

Representative species: Passer domesticus.

Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Towns and cities
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Seeds, grain and insects.

Classification

Common name
Sparrow
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Passeridae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Passeridae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its thick bill is suited to handling seeds.
  • Males have a dark throat bib.
  • It often nests close to people.

Habitat and range

Native to Eurasia and North Africa, house sparrows have been introduced widely around the world. Settlements and farmland offer food and nest sites; extensive uninhabited habitats are less suitable.

Appearance and adaptations

The stocky body has a stout bill and streaked brown back. Males have contrasting head markings and a dark bib, while females are plainer brown.

Diet and behaviour

Seeds and grain form much of the diet, supplemented by insects. Birds commonly hop over the ground while feeding. Pairs defend the immediate area around a nest, often placed in a cavity or building crevice.

Sources

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