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Juvenile House Sparrow looks for food scraps.
Photo by Author
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Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr
NONNATIVE BIRDS
Did you know that it is estimated there are twice as many Sparrows in the country than all other songbirds combined? Although there are several native sparrows to North America (Grasshopper sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, etc.) the most abundant variety is the nonnative House Sparrow.
House Sparrows where introduced to this country in the mid 1800’s in the hope they would help control inch worm infestations. It was thought these same House Sparrows would help remedy another major problem in big cities prior to the introduction of automobiles, ... horse manure . It was theorized Sparrows eating the grains from the street manure would cause it to biodegrade faster.
In less than 25 years it became obvious the House Sparrow introduction was a huge mistake as they multiplied at an incredible rate and had a negative impact on Native Song birds by competing for nest sites and food. A male House Sparrow has a greater bond with his nest site than his chosen mate. (Sort of like some guys and their cars) The sparrow may loose a mate but will not give up his nest site. The male does most of the nest building but it is not uncommon for the female to help. (Maybe she tells him if the trigs are too crooked....Sorry, ladies, couldn’t resist)
The American House Sparrow is not a true sparrow, but in the Weaver Finch family. If you are wondering how House Sparrows became so abundant in such a short time consider this...The female sparrow incubates her three to five eggs for 12 days. The young fledge (leave) after only 15 to 17 days in the nest. Most sparrows will have two or three broods but can have up to five. American Sparrows are non-migratory so they never wander far from their birth place.
The sparrow is an intelligent bird and is very adaptable to most situations. It general they nests in cavities such as open clothes line pipes, hollow sign marquee's, etc. They also nest in trees and under house eaves. Sparrows are found just about everywhere people are. Have you ever been to a fast food restaurant and NOT seen a sparrow shopping for French fries or bread crumbs? Not surprisingly, their expansion has paralleled that of human civilization.
If you wish to reduce the number of sparrows competing for bird food in your yard avoid cheap bird seeds with excessive filler seeds of millet, wheat or cracked corn. Also avoid feeding bread and bakery crumbs.
House Sparrows are currently the most abundant song bird in the world.
Starlings are another Nonnative bird introduced shortly after the House Sparrow. The millions of Starlings now found across America can be traced to sixty European Starlings released in New York City in April of 1890. Although Starlings can be beneficial consuming insects and weed seeds they too impact Native Birds by competing for nest sites and food just as the sparrow.
THE LAW AND MIGRATORY BIRDS
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful for anyone to kill, capture, collect, possess, buy, sell, trade, ship, import, or export any migratory bird, including feathers, parts, nests, or eggs. Since it is almost impossible for enforcement officers to determine if feathers used on clothing or art work were found on the ground, or if they came from a bird killed illegally, these laws are intended to eliminate any commercial market for the birds and their parts.
The laws protect all common wild birds except the house sparrow, starling, feral pigeon and resident game birds. Individual states manage resident game birds and laws vary state to state.
Penalties can range from fines and jail time to confiscation of vehicles and equipment used during the commission of the crime.
DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.
See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife
