Sparrow (Passeridae)

Sparrow Facts

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Passeridae
Scientific Name:	Passeridae
Type:	Bird
Diet:	Omnivore
Size (H):	11.4cm - 18cm (4.5in - 7in)
Wing Span:	12cm - 20cm (4.8in - 7.9in)
Weight:	13.4g - 42g (0.5oz - 1.5oz)
Top Speed:	40km/h (25mph)
Life Span:	4 - 7 years
Lifestyle:	Flock
Conservation Status:	Least Concern
Colour:	White, Black, Grey, Brown, Tan, Blue, Yellow
Skin Type:	Feathers
Habitat:	Countryside and woodland
Average Clutch Size:	4
Main Prey:	Insects, Seeds, Berries
Predators:	Cats, Snakes, Hawks
Distinctive Features:	Small body size and rounded head

Sparrows are a group of small sized birds that are found in woodlands and across farmlands all around the world. Today, there are thought to be 140 different species of sparrow spread throughout almost every continent.

Historically, the true sparrows were found throughout Europe and in parts of Asia and Northern Africa. However, human travellers that settled on other continents including Australia and America introduced sparrows to these areas, where they are now considered to be part of the native wildlife.

Sparrows are generally small sized birds that can be easily identified by their smoothly rounded heads. Sparrows range in size from the Chestnut sparrow found in Africa, which is just over 10cm in height, to the Parrot-billed sparrow (also found in Africa) that grows to more than 18cm tall.

Sparrows are omnivorous birds that mainly eat seeds and substitute their diet with berries, fruits and small insects. Some sparrow species have also adapted to life in the city where like gulls and pigeons, these plump little birds are known to eat almost anything that they can find.

Due to their small size, sparrows are prey to numerous predators within their native environments all around the world. Cats, dogs, snakes, foxes and birds of prey are just a handful of the natural predators of the sparrow in the wild.

Today, there is little concern over the sparrow populations although it is possible that populations will be affected by the ever changing weather conditions as a result of global warming and therefore, drastic climate change.