House Sparrow

Beak

House sparrows have heavy beaks like most sparrows and finches. They are made for eating seeds but are also used to collect grubs, ants and other insects as well.

Appearance

These small birds are small and dumpy, without all the stripes of a sparrow. They are really weaver finches and not sparrows, and are the only members of their kind in North America.

Food

House sparrows love to eat mixed birdseed, cracked corn, crackers, suet, sunflower seeds, and even doughnuts. They are at home feeding on the ground, in a tray-type feeder, or on a hanging feeder, but are attracted to yards that have dense bushes where they can quickly hide in if threatened.

Habitat

House sparrows find nesting holes and birdhouses where humans live often taking the homes and nest boxes away from more desirable species. House sparrows can be found nesting in streetlights, under eaves of houses and certainly will take a birdhouse if one is available. You might find these in the border shrubs around fast food restaurants waiting for some handouts.