• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

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House Sparrow

(Passer domesticus)
 
housesparrow
A House Sparrows in the dune scrub near Crissy Marsh.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: The House Sparrow is an introduced species to the Presidio. It eats primarily seeds, but also eats fruits and scraps. This species roosts in cavities and dense foliage and nests in holes in buildings, cliffs, and trees. It breeds in colonies.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in all developed areas and breeds within the Presidio grounds.

Frequency: This species is common all year.

Identifying Characteristics: The House Sparrow is brown above, with a light underside, a black throat and gray crown with white cheeks. It is a loud, cheeping bird.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

The 6th Army Band during Alpert's service.

Herb Alpert, Grammy Award-winning bandleader of the Tijuana Brass, played in the 6th Army Band at the Presidio during the 1950's. Alpert later claimed the structure and discipline of the Army helped him with his music.