House Sparrow
Passer domesticus.
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House Sparrow, common name for a small, nonmigratory, almost semi domesticated bird.
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Indigenous to Europe, it was introduced to the Americas in the 19th century and taken to Australia and Asia.
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The house sparrow, popularly called English sparrow, was introduced in all these areas in the hope that it would control insects.
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In some locations, however, the bird proved to be a pest, consuming large amounts of grain and of growing vegetables.
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It also competed with native songbirds for nest sites and food.
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The male has a brown back, a gray cap, whitish cheeks, and under parts characterized by a conspicuous black throat and bib.
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The female and the young have brown backs and grayish-white under parts.
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The house sparrow's nest, an untidy mass of coarse grass lined with feathers, is often built in the crannies of buildings.
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Four to six spotted eggs are laid in one clutch, and the species breeds in all but the coldest winter months.
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Scientific classification:
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The house sparrow belongs to the family Passeridae of the order Passeriformes.
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It is classified as Passer domesticus.
