![]() ![]() Unmated males find a nesting site and build a nest or start one. The initiation of nest building depends on whether males are still unmated or the pair is already formed. Notice how the sparrows have filled up most of the interior with nesting material. They readily take nesting boxes and are known to be aggressive, at times displacing other birds regardless of the nesting stage the current tenants may be.Īs shown in this photo (right), house sparrows have built a nest in a bluebird box. Houses, barns, buildings, and utility structures provide plenty of nesting places to house sparrows. When these are not available, they can build a nest in trees with dense and intertwined branches, in vines, ledges of houses or buildings, spaces under awnings, traffic lights, large pipes, and in the letters of large signs. They prefer cavities or any enclosure for nesting. They can build their nest inside or outside cavities. House sparrows do not excavate cavities nor enhance existing structures to fit their needs. House sparrow nest built in a bluebird box. Nests outside an enclosure or cavity are roofed and have a side entrance that leads to a cup that holds the eggs. When a nest is built outside an enclosure or cavity, it adopts a round or dome-like shape of approximately 8 to 12 inches across. The nest appearance depends on nest placement. Photo: Rich Mooney House sparrow nest appearance House sparrow nest showing the cup, lining material, and eggs. In higher latitudes, breeding starts later than in warmer temperatures. The onset of the breeding season is influenced by temperature. In North America, the first eggs have been recorded in early March, and the last dependent chicks have been observed in late September. House sparrows have a relatively long breeding period. Old females rank above young males that have little to no black on their bibs. As shown by the amount of black on their bibs, older males occupy the highest ranking and have prime access to food, females, and nesting places. House sparrows are highly social, where flocks maintain a structured hierarchy among members. House sparrows from higher and cold latitudes are known to move south during the coldest months of the year. Adults also form flocks that center around sources of food, roosting, and nesting sites. Young birds form flocks that move about in search of suitable places to colonize and breed. Once sparrows reach adult age, they become sedentary. Studies on house sparrow movements found that young birds are more likely to move away from the natal areas. Favorite habitats include parking lots, gas stations, park-like areas, and any urban environments. ![]() House sparrows favor open and semi-open habitats and generally do not enter woodlands. They prefer cavities and enclosures to build a nest but can nest on ledges of houses and buildings, inside pipes, under awnings and roofs, and any place that offers an enclosure-like structure with space where to place a nest. Their breeding requirements are rather flexible. House sparrows are year-round residents and breed where they occur. They have colonized just about every urban and semi-urban area throughout North, Central, and South America. House sparrows were first introduced in New York in 1851. Typically 11 days but can extend to 14 days in regions of cold temperatures. Typically 5 eggs on average but ranges between 1 to 8 eggs. It begins a day or two after nest completion. The egg marking is variable but is generally wreathed towards the wide side with a mix of gray to brown dots and spots. The color ranges from light brown to greenish or bluish-white. Both males and females finish building the nest.Įggs are oval. ![]() ![]() Male picks the nesting site and builds a pilot nest. Preferably inside a cavity, but can nest anywhere that resembles an enclosure at any height and location.ĭome-shaped nests outside cavities have an approximate diameter of 8 to 12 in. Nests inside cavities consist of a cup surrounded with coarse nesting material. Nests outside an enclosure have a dome shape with a side entrance. House sparrow breeding facts Breeding Period: This article is intended to aid in identifying house sparrow nests and eggs. They are aggressive and are known to displace native cavity-nesting birds. House sparrows primarily nest in cavities but are flexible and can nest in anything that resembles an enclosure, dense vines, and trees. Introduced from Europe starting in 1851, this sparrow has expanded widely. The house sparrow is one of America’s most ubiquitous birds. Males and female house sparrows at a feeder. ![]()
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