NewYork/NewJersey
Wildlife Removal, Inc.
24/7 Emergency Service
718-227-7227
212-245-WILD (9453)
516-255-WILD (9453)
914-934-WILD (9453)
When most people worry about animal pests in their neighborhood, their biggest concerns are usually large animals such as deer, raccoons, and bears, but one of the most widespread pests in the world today comes in a small package, the common house sparrow. House sparrows are found virtually everywhere that humans are, most people pay them no mind since they are so common and seem so small and harmless, even cute. The sad truth is that these little birds are actually introduced pests on most of the planet.
House sparrows are easy enough to identify, there is certainly no shortage of them around to observe. They are small stubby birds with short wings and tails. Both genders have light colored breasts and brown colored backs, but males have darker plumage on their backs, a gray patch on the crown of their head, and a distinct patch of black extending from the eyes and beak down across their throat. The loud chirping of house sparrows is also easy to pick out among other bird calls.
Like many other bird species, house sparrows can inconvenience humans by building nests in undesirable places. Eaves, awnings and gazebos may become nesting sites for these pests, but they can also settle into exhaust vents for dryers or stoves, or around window-mounted air conditioners. House sparrows build nests made of densely woven twigs and grasses which may clog up vents and prevent them from working properly. They also often invade large indoor public spaces and warehouses.
Unfortunately, the trouble that these birds cause ranges far beyond building nests on or in our homes and businesses. House sparrows may be small, but they are very aggressive and they compete with a number of native North American bird species for nesting sites. If house sparrows have an opportunity to steal a nest instead of building one of their own, they will usually take it. Bluebirds and Purple Martins are often the victims of these violent takeovers and both baby hatchlings and parent birds alike can be fatally mutilated by house sparrows. These pests are the bane of bird enthusiasts who install nesting boxes for native species.
If you want to help discourage house sparrows from taking over your backyard, here are a few steps you can take:
We may never be able to remove these hardy pests from our neighborhoods for good, but we can help native birds by controlling their population in every way possible. Contact us today to help with all your wildlife problems, no matter how big or small they may be.