Sparrow is a species of birds that can be easily recognized because it lives very close to humans. This small bird originates from North Africa, but it has been successfully introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Sparrow, unlike many other birds, cannot be found in forests and deserts.
Fast facts about Sparrow
1. 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.
2. Sparrows have stout body, covered with brown, black and white feathers. Their wings are rounded.
3. Sparrows are omnivorous birds that mainly eat seeds and substitute their diet with berries, fruits and small insects.
4. 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.
5. Sparrows are very social and they live in colonies called flocks.
6. Sparrows usually fly at the speed of 24 miles per hour. When needed (in the case of danger), they can accelerate to the speed of 31 miles per hour.
7. Although sparrows do not belong to the group of water birds, they can swim very fast to escape from the predators.
8. Sparrows are not territorial animals, but they will aggressively protect their nest from other sparrows. They usually build nest under the roofs, under bridges and in tree hollows.
9. Sparrows have several broods each year. Female lays 3 to 5 eggs. Incubation period lasts 12 to 15 days. Both parents take care of the eggs and chicks. Young birds are ready to leave the nest 15 days after birth.
10. Sparrows can live between 4 and 5 years in the wild.
