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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA tow boat pushes barges up the Mississippi towards Hastings, Minnesota.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Sparrow (House)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the introduced species that has succeeded greatly in North America. The species is native to Britain, northern Scandinavia, and northern Siberia to northern Africa, Arabia, India, and Burma.

The number of house sparrows in North America is estimated at approximately 150,000,000 birds, but the Breeding Bird Survey data indicates that the population is declining. House sparrows are common throughout the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, with most being found around areas of human activity, such as farms and cities.

This invasive species vigorously competes with our native bluebirds for nesting cavities and will destroy eggs and nests of these more desirable birds.

 
A house sparrow sits on a twig.
 

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Key ID Features: Male shown in photograph. Female is more uniformly brown and streaked above.

Present in Park: Year round.

Habitat: Cities and farms.

Mussels, One being in a person's hand  

Did You Know?
Under the right conditions, certain freshwater mussel species live for as many as 10 to 100 years. This lifespan is one of the longest for any creature on earth.

Last Updated: March 20, 2009 at 17:09 EST