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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Get outside and explore a Minnesota winter.
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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.

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The mississippi river at night.

Did You Know?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 50 cities rely on the Mississippi River for their daily water supply.

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