House Sparrow Pest Control Toronto

Interesting House Sparrow Facts & Information

Nesting Preference:

Urban-nests in eaves, soffits, attics, awnings, beneath siding. Rural-barns, silos, sheds, grain mills, seed storage sheds, poultry houses, and other areas.

Nest begins in early spring in Ontario, with both sexes participating. Nests are constructed of grass, straw, and debris. They are located in sheltered areas commonly in or around structures. Three to seven eggs are laid, commonly five, and two or three broods are raised each year. The same nest may have been occupied by up to four different females in a season, leading to higher estimates of the number of broods raised than is probably the case. The incubation period is 11-12 days and the age at first flight is about 15 days. Soon after the young leave the nest, they gather in small flocks. As the summer advances, the juveniles are joined by adults until the flock may number several hundred.

The House sparrow is primarily a seed eater. An adult bird eats about 6 grams of dry seed a day. Weed seeds and insects are also eaten. However, animal food accounts for less than five percent of the annual diet. The young are fed most of the animal matter. Succulent vegetable matter including fruit, young plants and blossoms of beans and peas are also taken.