Sparrow

for control: The noise and filth associated with the House sparrows’ nests is a roe urban areas. They can harbour the chicken louse, the bird louse and eee ie mite. House sparrows are a factor, although minor, in the spread of fowl cholera, iurkey blackhead, Newcastle disease, Avian tuberculosis, Eastern equine encephalitis, Pullorum (a bacterial disease), Canary pox, Anthrax and numerous worms, fungal and protozoan parasites.

Ectoparasites such as the Northern fowl mite frequently invade homes from sparrow nests in or on the building.

Range: Established throughout Ontario. The House sparrow is non-migratory.

Nesting preference: Urban: nests in eaves, soffits, attics, awnings, beneath siding. Rural: barns, silos, sheds, grain mills, seed storage sheds, poultry houses, and other farm or rural structures.

Nest building begins in early spring in Ontario, with both sexes participating. Nests are constructed of grass, straw, and debris. They are located in sheltered areas commonly in or around structures. Three to seven €ggs are laid, commonly five, and two or three broods are raised each year. The same nest may have been occupied by up to four different females in a season, leading to higher estimates of the number of broods raised than is probably the case. The incubation period is 11-12 days and the age at first flight is about 15 days. Soon after the
young leave the nest, they gather in small flocks. As the Summer advances, the juveniles are joined by adults until the flock may number several hundred.

The House sparrow is primarily a seed eater. An adult bird eats about six grams of dry seeda day. Weed seeds, fruit, and insects are also eaten. However, insects accounts for less than five per cent of the annual diet. The young are fed most of the insects.