Quick Answers
House sparrows are an invasive species that can cause problems for native birds. However, getting rid of them is controversial and may not always be the best solution. Consider pros and cons, humane removal methods, and ways to make your yard less attractive to sparrows before taking action.
What Are House Sparrows?
House sparrows, also called English sparrows, are small brown birds introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800s. They are very common in urban and suburban areas.
Identifying Features
– Size: About 6 inches long
– Color: Males have gray crowns, black bibs, reddish-brown backs, and whitish cheeks. Females are plain brown and gray.
– Behavior: Social, noisy birds that nest in cavities and birdhouses. They travel in flocks and are often seen hopping on the ground pecking for food.
Are House Sparrows Harmful to Native Birds?
House sparrows can be aggressive and may harm native bird populations in some cases by:
– Competing for nesting sites
– Evicting other birds from nests
– Killing nestlings of other species
– Consume food sources native birds rely on
However, research shows their impact varies across different environments and in many cases is minimal. There are also examples of native birds adapting and coexisting successfully with house sparrows.
Potential Negative Impacts
– Bluebirds – House sparrows may kill bluebird nestlings and take over nest boxes.
– Woodpeckers – Cavities carved out by woodpeckers are often overtaken by house sparrows.
– Native insect-eating birds – Competition for food sources may be a factor in declines of some native songbirds.
Cases of Minimal Impact
– Tree swallows – A study in New York found tree swallows were able to successfully coexist and nest near house sparrows by altering their nest-site choices.
– Chipping sparrows – House sparrows did not reduce reproductive success of chipping sparrows in a Colorado study. The two species partitioned food resources.
Do House Sparrows Pose Any Risks to Humans?
House sparrows do not pose any major risks to human health and safety. They are not known to transmit any diseases to people in North America.
Some potential nuisance issues and minor risks include:
– Noise – Their frequent chirping can be disruptive, especially in early morning hours.
– Mess – Droppings may accumulate underneath nesting and roosting sites.
– Minor property damage – Their pecking can damage wood siding.
– Food contamination – They may spread bacteria if they come into contact with human food and surfaces. Proper cleaning helps mitigate this.
– Aircraft hazards – Sparrows may collide with planes, but this is a minor risk compared to larger bird species.
Overall, risks are minimal as long as nests are not directly adjacent to human living spaces.
Should I Get Rid of House Sparrows or Leave Them Alone?
Opinions vary on managing house sparrows. Here are some key factors to consider:
Arguments for Removal
– Protect native cavity-nesting species like bluebirds.
– Reduce competition for nest sites and food sources.
– Decrease droppings, noise, and damage issues.
Reasons Not to Remove
– Sparrow populations often bounce back quickly after removal efforts. Constant vigilance would be needed.
– They provide some benefits like eating insects.
– Killing native-like birds raises ethical concerns for some people.
– Their harm is situational, and in many cases minimal. Peaceful coexistence may be possible.
Evaluate whether sparrows are actually causing significant harm before taking action. Site-specific factors like native species present, availability of nesting habitat, and human activities all play a role. Getting community consensus is also wise.
Methods to Remove House Sparrows Humanely
If the decision is made to control house sparrows, focus on humane methods. Recommended approaches include:
Discouraging Nesting
– Regularly clean out occupied nests and unused birdhouses. Don’t remove active nests with young.
– Install nest entrance holes sized for native birds like bluebirds. Sparrows can’t enter smaller holes.
– Block entrance holes with corks during the off-season.
– Place pest deterrents like fake owls or reflective tape near nests.
Trapping
– Use repeat-close traps that capture live sparrows unharmed.
– Release sparrows far enough away they won’t return (5+ miles).
– Only use traps outside nesting season, as parent birds may abandon young.
Avoid lethal methods like poisons which can also kill other wildlife. Seek alternatives focused on exclusion and relocation rather than elimination.
Making Your Property Less Inviting to Sparrows
Making habitat less suitable can discourage sparrows without harming them. Recommendations:
Remove Food Sources
– Avoid overfeeding birds and clean up spilled seed. Use bird feeders designed to exclude sparrows.
– Secure trash containers. Sparrows scavenge for scraps.
– Remove weedy vegetation that provides seeds sparrows eat.
Reduce Nesting Sites
– Block holes and cavities in buildings, porches, and trees.
– Install mesh nets or metal spikes on ledges and roofs.
– Prune bushes and dense shrubbery sparrows nest in.
Scare Devices
– Install predator decoys like hawks and owls.
– Use reflective tape, clanging pie pans, or ultrasonic repellers.
– String wire or fishing line in criss-cross patterns where sparrows roost.
Consult wildlife organizations for more tips. Habitat modification is ongoing and labor-intensive but a sustainable option.
Provide Habitat for Native Birds
A better long-term solution than removing sparrows is giving native birds a competitive edge.
Set up Proper Housing
– Install nest boxes suited to chickadees, titmice, bluebirds, etc.
– Ensure adequate cavity-free spaces by adding more nest boxes than exist natural cavities.
Provide Preferred Foods
– Offer specific seeds and berries eaten by native birds.
– Incorporate native plants landscaping that attracts insects.
Supply Water Sources
– Add a birdbath, fountain, or other fresh water.
– Include rocks and inclines for safe access.
With planning, you can make your yard an inviting habitat for enjoyable native birds to visit!
Conclusion
House sparrows are controversial birds. While they can negatively impact some native species, peaceful coexistence is possible in many cases with proper management. Consider your specific situation carefully before attempting removal. Humane exclusionary methods focused on habitat modification are recommended first. Boosting native bird populations through food, water, and nest sites helps balance populations naturally. With some creativity, you can have a vibrant, mixed bird community.
