An interesting aspect of how this species is viewed is its role as a 'canary in the coal mine' for levels of environmental pollution. Their close living / cohabiting with humans makes changes in their population levels an effective method of identifying changes in environmental pollutants such as lead and fluoride. This sensitivity to pollution may explain why their populations are declining in some parts of the world.
House Sparrows were introduced to Australia between 1863 and 1870. They were first released in Victoria, but later releases also occurred in Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart. The species quickly established itself in urban areas and throughout eastern Australia. The House Sparrow remains absent from Western Australia where strict control biosecurity measures are in place for the species.
The House Sparrow is 14 -16cm long with a wingspan of 18 - 25cm. They are a very social bird, almost always occurring in loose family groups. They are also enthusiastically vocal if not particularly vocally gifted.
The male House Sparrow has white cheeks, with a grey band on its head, a red-brown (chestnut?) back of the head and a black bid. The female is a plainer bird, with greyish brown head cap and a pale stipe behind the eye. When looked at closely, but sexes have rich brown colouring in the wings.
These birds were feeding around a cafe area in North Eastern Victoria, near Wangaratta.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have travelled anywhere in the world where these cheeky wee critters haven't made themselves felt. It's hard to dislike them, though, for their antics in search of that special crumb as often entertaining! YAM xx
Thanks for sharing one of my favorites! I look forward to this gathering every week. And this week I brought some very recognizable Canada geese. In a matter of speaking there is also a duck... Aloha friends
ReplyDeleteOh, Stewart, your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I love your posts and photos, dear friend, thank you so much for sharing these joyful moments!
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