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Sparrow

Passeridae

Last updated: March 5, 2021
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
  1. Animals Home
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  4. Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Continue Reading after the facts...


Sparrow Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Passeridae
Scientific Name
Passeridae

Sparrow Conservation Status

  • Least Concern

Sparrow Locations

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Central-America
  • Eurasia
  • Europe
  • North-America
  • Oceania
  • South-America
Sparrow Locations

Sparrow Facts

Main Prey
Insects, Seeds, Berries
Distinctive Feature
Small body size and rounded head
Wingspan
12cm - 20cm (4.8in - 7.9in)
Habitat
Countryside and woodland
Predators
Cats, Snakes, Hawks
Diet
Omnivore
Lifestyle
  • Flock
Type
Bird
Average Clutch Size
4
Slogan
There are 140 different species!

Sparrow Physical Characteristics

Colour
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
Skin Type
Feathers
Top Speed
25 mph
Lifespan
4 - 7 years
Weight
13.4g - 42g (0.5oz - 1.5oz)
Height
11.4cm - 18cm (4.5in - 7in)

Sparrow Images

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Sparrows are a group of small sized birds that are found in woodlands and across farmlands all around the world. Today, there are thought to be 140 different species of sparrow spread throughout almost every continent.

Historically, the true sparrows were found throughout Europe and in parts of Asia and Northern Africa. However, human travellers that settled on other continents including Australia and America introduced sparrows to these areas, where they are now considered to be part of the native wildlife.

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.

Sparrows are omnivorous birds that mainly eat seeds and substitute their diet with berries, fruits and small insects. Some sparrow species have also adapted to life in the city where like gulls and pigeons, these plump little birds are known to eat almost anything that they can find.

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 are just a handful of the natural predators of the sparrow in the wild.

Sparrows breed when the weather begins to warm in the spring, when female sparrows make nests in trees and rafters in which to lay their eggs (an average of 4-5 are laid per clutch). The female sparrow incubates her eggs which hatch in only a couple of weeks, when the vulnerable chicks are cared for until they are strong enough to fledge (leave the nest)>

Today, there is little concern over the sparrow populations although it is possible that populations will be affected by the ever changing weather conditions as a result of global warming and therefore, drastic climate change.

View all 84 animals that start with S


Sparrow FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Sparrows herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Sparrows are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Sparrows belong to?

Sparrows belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum to Sparrows belong to?

Sparrows belong to the phylum Chordata.

What class do Sparrows belong to?

Sparrows belong to the class Aves.

What family do Sparrows belong to?

Sparrows belong to the family Passeridae.

What order do Sparrows belong to?

Sparrows belong to the order Passeriformes.

What type of covering do Sparrows have?

Sparrows are covered in Feathers.

In what type of habitat do Sparrows live?

Sparrows live in the countryside and woodlands.

What is the main prey for Sparrows?

Sparrows eat insects, seeds, and berries.

What are some predators of Sparrows?

Predators of Sparrows include cats, snakes, and hawks.

What are some distinguishing features of Sparrows?

Sparrows have small bodies and rounded heads.

How many eggs do Sparrows lay?

Sparrows typically lay 4 eggs.

What is an interesting fact about Sparrows?

There are 140 different species of Sparrow!

What is the scientific name for the Sparrow?

The scientific name for the Sparrow is Passeridae.

What is the lifespan of a Sparrow?

Sparrows can live for 4 to 7 years.

What is the lifespan of a Sparrow?

Sparrows can live for 4 to 7 years.

What is the Sparrow's wingspan?

The Sparrow has a wingspan of 12cm to 20cm (4.8in to 7.9in).

How fast is a Sparrow?

A Sparrow can travel at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

Sources
  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
  5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
  7. Christopher Perrins, Oxford University Press (2009) The Encyclopedia Of Birds

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