Sparrow Specifics
The house sparrow is abundant on farms and in the cities and suburbs. Most often seen in flocks, these birds reduce the numbers of house wrens, purple martins, bluebirds and swallows by destroying their eggs and claiming their nests. Very adaptable, the house sparrow is destructive and filthy and because of the potential for food contamination, can cause the shut down of an operation where nesting becomes a continual problem. It is thought that house sparrows are a major reservoir of St. Louis encephalitis.
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Pásser domésticus

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aka: House Sparrow

The male house sparrow is recognized by his black bib and bill and white cheeks. The female is often confused with other sparrows or female buntings. The female’s unstreaked dingy breast, bold buffy eye line and the streaked back are the best field marks.

Life Span: 5 to 7 years in the wild; up to 23 years in captivity.
Reproduction: 4 to 7 young per brood, 3 broods per year (some believe that it is more like 4 to 9 young with up to 5 broods per year.

Statistics: Sparrow nests are large, bulky masses of straw, grasses, paper scraps and feathers; often 20 to 30 nests will be located in a single tree or building. The sparrow has been responsible for setting fires when lighted cigarette butts are placed in nests. It is persistent in attacks on bluebirds, chickadees, robins, and others. It is not unusual for the sparrow to drive these birds from their homes then promptly take over quarters. The Sparrow generally lives its entire life within 1/2 mile of its birthplace.