House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Introduction
This species belongs to the Passeridae family, comprising about fifty species divided into 12 genera. This bird occupies an important place in our culture mainly due to its omnipresence. Although it is widespread and abundant, its numbers have nevertheless greatly decreased in certain regions, especially large cities.
This species belongs to the Passeridae family, comprising about fifty species divided into 12 genera. This bird occupies an important place in our culture mainly due to its omnipresence. Although it is widespread and abundant, its numbers have nevertheless greatly decreased in certain regions, especially large cities.
Appearence
The House Sparrow is a stocky bird, its head is large and round, with a small conical beak, it has plumage of several colors, from brown to beige with some traces of black for the males, the females and young specimens have more pale, and are devoid of black. Not too much problem to differentiate the two sexes, actually the more colorful male, has more vivid colors. It is assumed that the pronounced coloring is an asset of seduction.
Measurement
Size: 14 to 18 cm
Wingspan: 24 to 30 cm
Weight: between 24 and 35 g
Longevity: 3 years
Nesting and reproduction
Nesting period: April to August
Number of broods: 2-4
Number of eggs: 4 to 6 whitish eggs spotted with brown and gray of 22 mm
Brood length: 11-14 days
1st flight: 15 days
Alimentation
The Sparrow is classified as omnivorous, feeding mainly on various seeds, it was hunted for a long time, but in vain following the damage it caused in crops. Opportunistic, he knows how to take full advantage of human resources. However, it is in constant conflict with the gardeners, because it does not hesitate to feed on young seedlings and certain soft fruits.
Juveniles still unable to leave the family nest are fed exclusively on invertebrates, small insects brought by their parents. It often happens that sparrows share their meals with humans, just throw some food at them.
Behavior
The sparrow can be called sedentary and docile. It is one of the most homelike species on the European continent. Often, the sparrow spends most of its life in the very place where it was born, it will not even seek to visit the neighboring village. He particularly likes the presence of other individuals, we often find large groups that can reach hundreds of sparrows.
They seek their food together, proceeding together to their toilet, a fact uncommon in other species of birds. The sparrow knows several predators, the sparrowhawk is one of the sworn enemies of the bird, in case of alert, they all quickly take refuge in the nearest trees and bushes. They spend the night in communal roosts which may include several hundred individuals.
Reproduction
After the winter, at the beginning of March, it is the great moment, the beginning of the breeding period of the House Sparrow. A moment of frenzy, the search for a female, we then witness the courtship displays. Then comes the delicate choice of the breeding site, which will be vigorously defended by the male.
The species prefers for the construction of the nest, cavities in the most varied places. The choice is always made at a respectable height in order to avoid possible looting. The nest is designed with plant elements found nearby, such as twigs of wood, linear leaves of grasses. The construction requires some experience, in the shape of a ball, the nest has only one side opening.
The interior of the structure is consolidated with feathers and horsehair. It particularly favors facades covered with thick ivy, it also happens that it monopolizes existing nesting boxes, mainly that of swallows which it does not hesitate to forcefully expel. The female lays an average of 4 to 6 eggs, the two parents alternately brood their future offspring for 14 days.
The young are fed like most birds in the nest, a fortnight of intense feeding, because the chicks are constantly soliciting their parents. Two weeks later, it's time to leave the cozy nest and take their first flight. The adults can finally start another brood.
The House Sparrow is a stocky bird, its head is large and round, with a small conical beak, it has plumage of several colors, from brown to beige with some traces of black for the males, the females and young specimens have more pale, and are devoid of black. Not too much problem to differentiate the two sexes, actually the more colorful male, has more vivid colors. It is assumed that the pronounced coloring is an asset of seduction.
Measurement
Size: 14 to 18 cm
Wingspan: 24 to 30 cm
Weight: between 24 and 35 g
Longevity: 3 years
Nesting and reproduction
Nesting period: April to August
Number of broods: 2-4
Number of eggs: 4 to 6 whitish eggs spotted with brown and gray of 22 mm
Brood length: 11-14 days
1st flight: 15 days
Alimentation
The Sparrow is classified as omnivorous, feeding mainly on various seeds, it was hunted for a long time, but in vain following the damage it caused in crops. Opportunistic, he knows how to take full advantage of human resources. However, it is in constant conflict with the gardeners, because it does not hesitate to feed on young seedlings and certain soft fruits.
Juveniles still unable to leave the family nest are fed exclusively on invertebrates, small insects brought by their parents. It often happens that sparrows share their meals with humans, just throw some food at them.
Behavior
The sparrow can be called sedentary and docile. It is one of the most homelike species on the European continent. Often, the sparrow spends most of its life in the very place where it was born, it will not even seek to visit the neighboring village. He particularly likes the presence of other individuals, we often find large groups that can reach hundreds of sparrows.
They seek their food together, proceeding together to their toilet, a fact uncommon in other species of birds. The sparrow knows several predators, the sparrowhawk is one of the sworn enemies of the bird, in case of alert, they all quickly take refuge in the nearest trees and bushes. They spend the night in communal roosts which may include several hundred individuals.
Reproduction
After the winter, at the beginning of March, it is the great moment, the beginning of the breeding period of the House Sparrow. A moment of frenzy, the search for a female, we then witness the courtship displays. Then comes the delicate choice of the breeding site, which will be vigorously defended by the male.
The species prefers for the construction of the nest, cavities in the most varied places. The choice is always made at a respectable height in order to avoid possible looting. The nest is designed with plant elements found nearby, such as twigs of wood, linear leaves of grasses. The construction requires some experience, in the shape of a ball, the nest has only one side opening.
The interior of the structure is consolidated with feathers and horsehair. It particularly favors facades covered with thick ivy, it also happens that it monopolizes existing nesting boxes, mainly that of swallows which it does not hesitate to forcefully expel. The female lays an average of 4 to 6 eggs, the two parents alternately brood their future offspring for 14 days.
The young are fed like most birds in the nest, a fortnight of intense feeding, because the chicks are constantly soliciting their parents. Two weeks later, it's time to leave the cozy nest and take their first flight. The adults can finally start another brood.