
House Sparrow Facts
Passer domesticus
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.
Similar animals
Explore nearby branches of the animal world.
Ready for another discovery?
The animal kingdom is full of surprises.
Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under its linked license.



