The house sparrow is a small, chirpy bird that lives almost wherever people do. Although still abundant worldwide, it has declined sharply in some cities, a sign of changing urban environments.
Interesting facts
- Males have a grey crown and black bib; females are plain brown.
- Sparrow numbers in many European cities, including London, have fallen dramatically since the 1990s.
- During China’s 1958 ‘Four Pests’ campaign, millions of sparrows were killed, which contributed to insect plagues.
- Sparrows take dust baths to clean their feathers.
- Chicks need insects to grow, even though adults mostly eat seeds.
- World Sparrow Day is celebrated on March 20.
Behaviour
House sparrows live in social groups and nest in colonies in holes in buildings, hedges and nest boxes. They are noisy and bold.
Breeding and young
Pairs lay four or five eggs and may raise several broods a year.
Threats and conservation
Loss of nesting sites in modern buildings, declines in insects and pollution are thought to be causes of urban declines.
Where to see it
- Towns, villages and farms almost worldwide
- Cafés and city squares
- Gardens with hedges and bird feeders
- Put up sparrow nest boxes to help them
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
