House Sparrow

House Sparrow, common name for a small, nonmigratory, almost semidomesticated bird. Indigenous to Europe, it was introduced to the Americas in the 19th century and taken to Australia and Asia.

The house sparrow, popularly called English sparrow, was introduced in all these areas in the hope that it would control insects. In some locations, however, the bird proved to be a pest, consuming large amounts of grain and of growing vegetables. It also competed with native songbirds for nest sites and food. The male has a brown back, a gray cap, whitish cheeks, and underparts characterized by a conspicuous black throat and bib. The female and the young have brown backs and grayish-white underparts.

The house sparrow's nest, an untidy mass of coarse grass lined with feathers, is often built in the crannies of buildings. Four to six spotted eggs are laid in one clutch, and the species breeds in all but the coldest winter months.

Scientific classification: The house sparrow belongs to the family Passeridae of the order Passeriformes. It is classified as Passer domesticus.