Sparrow

American tree sparrow Spizella arborea

Description

White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys

Small, seed-eating birds (families Passeridae and Fringillidae) that are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Australia. The English sparrow (Passer domesticus) was introduced to North America (Brooklyn) in 1852 and has since spread throughout the continent. Also called the house sparrow, it likes to nest in house eaves and masonry holes. Sparrows can be aggresive and often produce significant debris and deleterious droppings (see Guano). Numerous Deterrent methods used for larger birds, such as nets, spikes, wires, gels, plastic owls, electric shocks, along with many types of mechanical and ultrasonic devices are being used with moderate success.

Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia

Synonyms and Related Terms

English sparrow (Passer domesticus); house sparrow

Resources and Citations

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "house sparrow." Accessed 17 Mar. 2005.

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparrow