Hindi Name – Goraiya
Species – Passer domesticus
Origin – Europe and Asia
Size – 12 – 14 cms
Breeding season – Autumn and summer
Family – The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae.
Description – The house sparrow is a compact bird with a full chest and a large, rounded head. Its bill is stout and conical with a culmen length of 1.1–1.5 cm (0.43–0.59 in), strongly built as an adaptation for eating seeds. The sexes exhibit strong dimorphism: the female is mostly buffish above and below, while the male has boldly coloured head markings, a reddish back, and grey underparts. The male has a dark grey crown from the top of its bill to its back, and chestnut brown flanking its crown on the sides of its head. It has black around its bill, on its throat, and on the spaces between its bill and eyes. The female has no black markings or grey crown.
Breeding Season – The breeding season is in Autumn and summer. The house sparrow is monogamous, and typically mates for life.
Diet – The tree sparrow is a primarily seed and grain-eating bird that feeds on land as a group. But it is opportunistic and adaptable, and eats whatever foods are available.
Habitat – The house sparrow is closely associated with human habitation and cultivation. It has become highly successful in most parts of the world where it has been introduced. This is mostly due to its early adaptation to living with humans, and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions.
Distinct Features – Vocalisations are transcribed as chirrup, tschilp, or philip, this note is made as a contact call by flocking or resting birds, or by males to proclaim nest ownership and invite pairing. House sparrows sleep with the bill tucked underneath the scapular feathers.