Sharing Life with House Sparrows
Perched on top of the telephone pole, the house sparrow looks down, and like a sky diver, plunges head first into the open air and accelerates into a free fall. She spreads her wings and then is swept up into the wind, taking flight into the clear blue sky. Small, energetic, and agile, house sparrows are common birds in many cities and suburbs of the United States and these fearless flyers can be seen leaping off of rooftops and telephone poles throughout the neighborhood.
House sparrows were brought to the United States from Europe in 1850, first released in New York and now live throughout North America. They originally arrived to the United States tasked with a mission to help stop insect infestations in Brooklyn and New York City. They continue to help control pests to this day.
For many city folk and suburban dwellers, house sparrows are our cheerful neighbors. In the mornings, as the first rays of sun beam in over the horizon, choirs of chirping sparrows burst into song - rejoicing - for a new day has begun. Sparrows are very vocal birds and can be heard chirping throughout the day.
House sparrows are a small bird with adults about 5-6 inches in size. They spend their time in many people’s backyards, foraging for food, building nests and caring for their young. They are hardworking, vigilant guardians of their babies and both mama and papa birds work steadfastly to feed and care for their little ones. House sparrows have 2-3 broods per year, laying between 4-6 eggs each time. The eggs are incubated by female sparrows for 10-12 days and after the little ones leave the nest, the sparrow parents spend about two weeks teaching them how to feed, fly, and navigate the world.
Though they are considered a common bird, populations of house sparrows have been declining globally. In the Eastern US, the population peaked around 1900 and has been gradually declining in recent years. According to Cornell Lab’s Project, FeederWatch, between 1995 and 2016, the average flock size declined by 22 percent. Contributing factors include increased levels of pollution, loss of suitable nesting sites, increased prevalence of disease and increased levels of predation. Declining numbers have also been observed in Europe and Asia, and the house sparrow has been on the UK Red List since 2002.
House sparrows are competitive and aggressive birds when it comes to nesting spots. They can destroy the nests and babies of other birds and takeover the nesting sites. Some people consider them a pest and invasive species for pushing out native songbirds. Their ability to adapt and flourish in many different environments is nonetheless an interesting feature of this bird species.
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. - Matthew 10:29-31
