The Humble House Sparrow
Small and skittish, these birds are patterned in beautiful streaks of brown.
Many a birder started out photographing distinctively red Northern Cardinals or deceptively colored Blue Jays. But many also have noticed the House Sparrow, a common and delightful sight found in backyards and parks everywhere.
They were one of the first birds I tried to identify, especially since I could finally zoom in on them from a distance. Before, they were too flighty and (at least to me) similar in color to House Finches to tell them apart.
These little birds are tiny, weighing in at a mere ounce and reaching only around 6 inches in height. The males are distinctly streaked in brown, with black feathers on their neck. Female House Sparrows also are streaked and share their counterpart’s lighter colored belly. However, the females are more grayish and pale.
House Sparrows are known for living in urban areas, makings nests on buildings and behind large shop signs. They are so ubiquitous that they can be easy to overlook, but they are very loud and tend to chirp up a storm.
Although you might not know this, House Sparrows are an invasive species that was introduced from Europe in the 1800s. Since being brought to America, these birds have spread far and wide.
The House Sparrow can be found throughout the entire continental United States, except for Alaska.
Until next (Bird!) time,
Grover