Distribution:
(See Map Below) Can be found anywhere in
the United States.
Status in Nebraska: Can be found
in good numbers throughout most habitat in Nebraska, but are scarce in
the Sandhills area, except near farms or ranches.
Origin:
This bird is native to Eurasia and Northern Africa.
Introduction to U.S.:
Introduced in 1853 to control the canker worm.
Characteristics:
Size: 5½-6¼". Males are brown
and black streaked with white wing bars, black on throat, chestnut line
through eye. Females streaked above, gray below, stripe behind eye.
House Sparrows eat a variety of seeds and grains,
sometimes obtained from livestock feed or livestock droppings. They also
eat insects, spiders, and fruits in the summer.
Impact:
House sparrows nest in structures ranging from
gutters and downspouts to thick shrubs and bushes, but readily take to
nest boxes when available. They effectively out-compete native cavity-nesting
birds, and are known to destroy nests and eggs and kill nestlings and adults
while taking over a nest site.
Control Methods:
House Sparrows are not protected by the United
States government. Portable traps, ground trapping, and controlling
available food, shelter, and housing are favorable methods of controlling
House Sparrows.
