A male house sparrow perched on a stone ledge
Photo: Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bird

House Sparrow Facts

Passer domesticus

BirdNative to Eurasia and North Africa; introduced worldwideOmnivore

House sparrows are small, social birds closely associated with farms, towns, and cities. Their stout bills handle grains and seeds, while insects become especially important food for growing chicks.

Habitat
Urban
Diet
Mostly grains and seeds, supplemented by insects
Lifespan
Usually several years; recorded up to 13 years in the wild

House Sparrow Facts at a Glance

House sparrows are small, social birds closely associated with farms, towns, and cities. Their stout bills handle grains and seeds, while insects become especially important food for growing chicks.

It belongs to the family Passeridae in the order Passeriformes. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; source links below support further reading.

House Sparrow Habitat

House Sparrows live in Urban and Farmland and Residential habitats across Native to Eurasia and North Africa; introduced worldwide. Their range depends on places that provide suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young.

What Do House Sparrows Eat?

House Sparrows are omnivore animals. Their diet includes Mostly grains and seeds, supplemented by insects, and the food available in their habitat shapes how they find, hunt, or forage for meals.

House Sparrow Lifespan, Size, and Weight

A house sparrow typically lives for Usually several years; recorded up to 13 years in the wild. Adults measure about 14–16 cm and weigh around 24–38 g; these ranges can vary with sex, age, habitat, and access to food.

House Sparrow Conservation Status

House Sparrow is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region
Native to Eurasia and North Africa; introduced worldwide
Habitat
Urban, Farmland, Residential
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
Usually several years; recorded up to 13 years in the wild
Size
14–16 cm
Weight
24–38 g

Fun facts

  • House sparrows usually hop rather than walk while foraging on the ground.
  • Both parents incubate eggs and feed their young.
  • Males have a black throat patch and brighter head markings than females.
  • They often nest in cavities and gaps in buildings.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under its linked license.