THE SPARROW (LITTLE BIRD)

INTRODUCTION

Many farmers have called them as their friends.They help to reduce the swarms of crop-eating pests.However,while they feed their youngones

on caterpillars, beetles, flies and spiders as first meal after hatching, afterwards they show more interest in grains and fruit than insects.They can
causes noticeable damage to wheat,barley and maize crops.

BREEDING

Breeding rate was high – due to open range of food,lack of competition,a benign climate and few predators(like cats).

CHILDCARE

in 1870s era people noted that females laid eggs for a second clutch while the previous hatchlings were still in the nest. The young ones
evidently helped incubate the eggs.

In 1878 naturalist Thomas Kirk calculated one pair of sparrows could lead to a population of 322,000 within the short time of five years.

DESCRIPTION

they are small birds,weighing about 30 grams only and measuring 14 centimeters approximately.They have a conical bill, like many
seed-eaters.male has grey crown and dark chestnut nape and back, with black streaks. In the breeding season he has a large black bib with
contrasting pale grey cheeks and belly. After breeding, the bib reduces to a small patch under the chin, and the black bill turns
pinkish-cream.
The female has a sandy-brown back streaked with black, and pale grey undersides. She has buff curved ‘C’ from behind the eye to neck.
Both sexes have a single white bar on the wing.

HABITAT

House sparrows used to live in association with humans,they nesting around houses and sheds,or hanging around restaurants. They can
spread disease by contaminating human food.

NESTING

The male builds domed nest,often in hole.He decorate the nest periodwise,even when not in use.The female lays four or more
grey-white eggs with brown spots.