Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney. Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). The birds however have so far been prevented from establishing themselves in Western Australia, with every bird observed being deliberately destroyed. Today, the species is so well established in the east that no amount of effort will exterminate the ever-expanding population. Breeding season: All year round more concentrated in spring and summerĪlthough the introduction of the House Sparrow was deliberate, and welcomed by many people, it quickly became a major pest, and a reward was paid by the government for the birds and their eggs.Several broods may be produced in the extended breeding season. It is usually located in suitable areas in buildings, such as roof voids and crevices in walls, but may be placed under bridges, in thick bushes or in tree hollows. The nest is a large, untidy ball of grass, wool and feathers, lined with feathers and finer plant material. Both sexes build the nest and care for the young, though the female alone incubates the eggs. Male and female House Sparrows form permanent pair bonds. The most typical call is a harsh double-noted 'chiisck' or 'cherrup'. House Sparrows give a variety of chirruping and twittering notes. There are many reports of birds entering canteens in buildings to feed, with birds even learning to activate automatic doors in order to gain entry. Birds eat insects, spiders, berries, seeds, flower buds and scraps of food discarded by humans. One reason for the successful establishment of the House Sparrow in Australia and, indeed, all over the world, is its ability to feed on a wide range of foodstuffs. Usually stay in the same region all year round, but may be partially migratory in some areas. It quickly established itself in urban areas throughout eastern Australia. Firstly in Victoria, but later into other areas including Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart. The House Sparrow was introduced from Britain between 18. House Sparrows occur in and around human habitation, as well as cultivated areas and some wooded country. These are both introduced species, being 'Old World Sparrows'. Both the male and female Tree Sparrow are similar in appearance to the male House Sparrow, but have an all-brown crown and black cheek patch. Young House Sparrows are similar to the adult female, but are duller with some mottling on the crown, and have a darker bill.Īnother similar, related species is the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, which is found only in southern New South Wales and central Victoria. The female is slightly paler than the male and lacks the grey crown and black face, instead having a pale buff eye stripe. The bill also changes from brown to black. When breeding, the black of the throat extends to the chest and upper belly. The remainder of the under parts are pale grey-brown. The male has a conspicuous grey crown, black face and throat, and dark black and brown upperparts. House Sparrows are actually large finches.They are usually seen in small to medium-sized groups, but may occur in huge numbers. The House Sparrow is an introduced species to Australia that now lives in most of eastern Australia and much of the Northern Territory and South Australia.

Sparrow madden