The house sparrow because of its
small size (14.5cm) and agility is
very difficult to keep out of buildings.
It is very closely associated with
man and large populations occur
in urban areas and in grain growing
regions.
Breeding
Sparrows nests are built in holes inside
and outside buildings and can be seen at
most times of the year. 2 to 3 broods may
be reared in a year. Breeding places are
occupied from year to year.
Feeding & Behaviour
In urban areas house sparrows are scavengers
on a wide variety of foods but cereals are
preferred. They will take advantage of any
food spillage inside warehouses or around
bin areas and will feed on and between stacked
goods. They often peck holes in bagged and
boxed goods. Produce stored in buildings
infested by sparrows tends to become heavily
fouled. Whole populations can live entirely
within large food storage premises.
Sparrows are very nervous and wary when
approaching a food source and have the
ability to disappear into the fabric of
a building when disturbed. They are very
difficult to exclude from buildings and
great care should be taken when proofing
buildings against this species.
