House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
The house sparrow is one of our most familiar birds and is seen all year round. House sparrows are common in and around Killearn and flocks are a frequent sight in gardens. Male and female birds are rather different, the former sporting a black bib and markings around the eye, more noticeable in the breeding season. Birds pair for life. They eat mainly seeds and grain.
Fascinating fact:
Overall, the British population has declined markedly in recent decades although less so in Scotland.
House sparrows are closely associated with human habitation. They show a preference for roosting and nesting in cavities in buildings, often under roof tiles. They will also nest in trees and dense hedges.
Amongst the threats they face is the fact that modern and refurbished houses have fewer cavities to serve as potential nesting spaces. In addition, they may also be affected adversely by changes in farming practice and climate change.
Did you know
The tree sparrow also occurs in Killearn but in far smaller numbers. It is mainly associated with farmland, although birds occasionally turn up in gardens. Male and female tree sparrows look alike and can be differentiated from house sparrows by their brown caps (grey in house sparrows) and a dark cheek spot.