The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is also known as the common house sparrow and colloquially as the house sparrow or sparrows. The scientific name comes from Latin; Passer domesticus means “sparrow of the home”.
The house sparrow originated in the Middle East and spread with human settlements and agriculture to most parts of the world. Some key facts about the origin and spread of house sparrows include:
Native Range
The house sparrow’s native range is around the Mediterranean Sea and parts of continental Europe and Asia. The earliest records indicate house sparrows were found in the Middle East, including Israel and Turkey. From there, the species spread widely across the Mediterranean basin. Some of the countries in this native range include:
- Turkey
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Israel
- Jordan
- Greece
- Italy
- Spain
- Northern Africa
Within this native range, house sparrows inhabit open habitats with some trees or shrubs, including agricultural areas, orchards, vineyards, gardens and urban settlements. They nest in tree hollows, wall cavities or under roof tiles. The Mediterranean climate provides house sparrows with suitable year-round habitat and food sources such as grains and insects.
Spread from Native Range
From the Mediterranean region, house sparrows expanded their range dramatically starting in the Middle Ages. Trade, agriculture and urbanization provided new habitat and food sources for the sparrows. They spread along trade routes into Central Asia and could stow away on ships to reach new areas. Some key elements of their spread include:
- 15th century – Reached Great Britain
- Mid-19th century – Introduced to North America, South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand
- Travelled on wagons of settlers and spread across newly cultivated farmland
- Spread globally as new railway lines were built in the late 19th/early 20th centuries
Within 100-150 years of appearing in new areas, house sparrows became fully integrated and abundant where human settlements, crops and livestock were present. They are now found on every continent except Antarctica.
Introduction to North America
The introduction of the house sparrow to North America was an intentional effort to control insect pests on crops. In the 1850s, a group called the Brooklyn Institute released 100 birds from England into New York City to control caterpillars. Further efforts brought the sparrow to the Midwest and western states to combat crop pests.
By the late 1800s, house sparrows were abundant across North America, aided by extensive agriculture and grain production that provided the birds with food. Though they offered limited pest control benefits, house sparrows thrived in the new habitat.
Rapid Spread Across United States
Once established in New York, house sparrows spread rapidly westward as new railroads provided corridors of suitable habitat across the country:
- Reached Chicago by 1870
- Present in Salt Lake City by 1872
- San Francisco by 1874
- In 1870-1885 period, spread over entire western half of country
The house sparrow population grew exponentially as they spread, with estimated 1 bird introduced in 1850 growing to some 150 million across North America by 1890. They integrated into urban, suburban and rural habitats wherever human activity created food sources.
Introduction to Australia and New Zealand
House sparrows were also intentionally introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the mid-1800s. Motivations included controlling pests, reminding new settlers of home, and conforming to the European ideal that sparrows were part of a civilized landscape.
Key facts about their Antipodean introduction include:
- 1863 – Released in Melbourne, Australia
- 1866 – 3 pairs released in New Zealand
- Spread rapidly across southeast Australia and both islands of New Zealand
- As in North America, reached huge population numbers within several decades
The house sparrow’s adaptability to human settlements allowed it to integrate across Australia and New Zealand, occupying urban and rural habitats. However, it has declined in some areas as farming practices have changed.
Declines in Parts of Range
While house sparrows remain ubiquitous across much of their introduced range, some areas have seen declines in populations. This is likely due to changing agricultural practices and fewer food sources in rural areas. Declines have been noted in parts of Europe, Australia and North America.
Some examples of house sparrow population declines include:
- Britain – Approximately 60% decline from late 1970s to mid-2000s
- Netherlands – Over 90% decline in recent decades
- Remote sheep stations in Australia – Steep declines
- Canadian prairies – Decrease in numbers
However, house sparrows remain common in most urban and suburban habitats. Their long association with humans will likely continue in these areas. The flexible house sparrow will adapt to utilize new habitat and food sources.
Conclusion
In summary, the house sparrow originated in the Mediterranean region and Middle East. From there, human activity allowed it to expand globally and become one of the most widely distributed bird species. Introductions to North America, Australia and New Zealand beginning in the mid-1800s enabled house sparrows to integrate into diverse habitats across several continents within a few decades. While declining in some rural areas, the adaptable house sparrow continues to thrive in urban and suburban settings.