English/House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Identification
- about 6 inches long
- Males:
- dark brown streaked with black above and gray underside
- large black patch under beak
- Females:
- dusky brownish gray with blackish stripes above and gray underside
- yellowish beak
Nesting Habits
- nest in protected areas in or near buildings (e.g., on ledges, in gutters and light fixtures and under eaves)
- build nests from grass, straw, feathers and debris frequently reuse nesting sites
Diet
- grains, seeds, garden plants and fruit
- feed insects and food refuse to young
Significance
- heath concern; associated with over 29 diseases and ectoparasites, including bird mites
- contaminate many different materials with droppings
IPM Recommendations
- Install plastic netting on parts of the building used for roosting and nesting or use deterrents such as plastic or metal spines on ledges.
- Reduce or eliminated their feeding sites and water sources.
- Close all openings larger than 3/4 inch.
- Install slanted metal, plexiglass or wooden boards (45° angle) over ledges.