English/House Sparrow

Description:

Male:- Crown and rump are dark grey; rest of upper parts dark chestnut-brown with black streaks. Wings are brown with dull white bar on shoulder; tail dusky brown. Lores, throat and upper breast black forming bib; cheeks and rest of underparts are light grey-white. Eye brown. Bill dusky. Feet light brown. In non-breeding ecliipse, bib is reduced. Female:- Duller brown above; crown is brown; buff on shoulder, throat and rest of underparts are brown-white; bill grey-horn. Immatures:- As female but duller and mottled on crown.

Habitat:

This fun routine happens often in my backyard. Sparrows are found to be common throughout eastern mainland Australia to western Queensland and across the Nullarbor Plain. These birds have adapted very well where there is human habitation. Sparrows are also in Tasmania. Eleven races, one of which has been introduced into Australia. Naturally found in Eurasia and North Africa.

Notes:

How many can fit in? I have watched the parents actually push the little ones in either this old pan, or the birdbath and demonstrate the bathing routine. Great to watch. There is a wide variety of chirrupings, such as cherr'p and also harsh twittering. In a flock they are very noisy.