House Sparrow

Habitat: The house sparrow breeds in all kinds of cavities and corners between beams and other supporting elements in buildings, in the immediate vicinity of humans. Spherical nests in trees and bushes are found in some regions near dwellings or in rows of trees along roads. House Sparrows often take over the nests of House Swallows, less often those of Barn Swallows, nest boxes and sometimes the nesting tunnels of Sand Martins. Nests in ivy, tree hollows and earthenware pots have been described anecdotally. The use of a communal nest cavity is exceptional and has been observed in conjunction with swifts and tree sparrows.

Appearance: Widespread, common and very familiar resident throughout Europe. Except in Iceland, the mountains of Scandinavia and Sardinia. In Belgium and the Netherlands, extremely numerous breeding bird – year-round resident – winter visitor in very large numbers.

Breeding season: March – September, nest in niches and crevices, 4 – 6 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 14 – 16 cm, wingspan 19 – 25 cm, weight 24 – 38 grams, age 19 years.

Food: Seeds, insects, waste.