Sparrow weaver, sparrow, and snow finch
The Sparrow weaver, sparrow, and snow finch belong to a subfamily within the Weaver family, known for their adaptability and diverse habitats. These birds, often referred to as Old World sparrows, vary in size from four to seven inches and typically display plumage in shades of brown, gray, and, in some cases, bright yellow. Snow finches are notable for their white plumage and are uniquely adapted to high-altitude environments, nesting at elevations between 5,900 and 15,000 feet. Commonly found in both urban and rural settings, sparrows frequently build nests in sheltered locations like trees and man-made structures.
These birds are predominantly seed-eaters, with diets that can include grains and even household scraps in urban areas. Their social behavior varies, as many species thrive in colonies, especially during breeding seasons, while snow finches tend to form flocks in winter to navigate harsh weather. After laying eggs, which usually number between three to five, the incubation period lasts about 10 to 14 days, with young fledglings relying on their parents for up to two weeks post-hatching. With lifespans that can reach up to 14 years, these birds contribute significantly to the ecosystems they inhabit through their vibrant activities and interactions.
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Sparrow weaver, sparrow, and snow finch
These three birds form one division, a subfamily, within the family of weavers. They commonly live near people but are very cautious and do not live well in captivity.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
Birds in this family are referred to generally as Old World sparrows or true sparrows. Most sparrows and snow finches are between four and seven inches (10 to 18 centimeters) long. Their plumage (feathering) is chiefly brown and gray, but sometimes black or bright yellow. Snow finches have varying amounts of white plumage.
Species in this family range widely across Africa, Asia, and Europe and have also been introduced into the American continents, Australasia, and several islands. Their habitats are diverse, from dry brush areas to savannas and forests, from the barrenness of full deserts to the rockiness of mountain regions. The snow finches live almost completely on the ground in the mountains, from 5,900 to 15,000 feet (1,800 to 4,600 meters). They are included in the group of birds which nest at the highest altitudes. Many sparrow species have adapted well to living near people and are common in villages and towns. In these populated places, they frequently build domed nests, woven from grass, and place them on the branches of bushes and trees. Holes in trees, rocks, buildings, or walls provide secure nesting sites. Nests are often under the eaves of buildings and houses or tucked away in or on man-made structures like bridges and towers.
Many species of sparrows are social creatures and breed in colonies, even though they do not build nesting communities. In the winter, snow finches are social and form flocks at lower altitudes in bad weather, but they do not leave their mountain homes completely. Whether alone or in a colony, their loud chirpings, twitterings, and simple, trilled songs echo throughout their habitats.
Most sparrows are chiefly seed-eaters and often prefer grains, like wheat, oats, and rice. They may also eat certain other vegetation, plant matter, and insects. Sparrows that live closest to people, notably house sparrows, often eat household scraps. Predators include cats, snails, raccoons, owls, and hawks.
After mating, females lay three to five eggs. The eggs are each less than one inch (less than 25 milimeters) long. They may have gray, lilac, or mauve-brown markings on their white, cream, or pink surfaces. Most incubate their eggs for 10 to 14 days. After they hatch, the young stay in the nest for 13 to 17 days until they can fly. The parents continue to feed their young for up to two weeks after they leave the nest.
These birds have a lifespan of up to 14 years, though some species only live 3 to 4 years.
Species include:
Black-winged snowfinch Montifringilla adamsi
Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus
House sparrow Passer domesticus
Pale rock sparrow or pale rockfinch Petronia brachydactyla
Rock sparrow Petronia petronia
Tibetan snowfinch Montifringilla henrici
White-rumped snowfinch Onychostruthus taczanowskii
White-winged snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis
Yellow-throated sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis
Bibliography
Camfield, Alaine. "Passeridae." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Passeridae. Accessed 15 May 2024.
"Passeridae - Old World Sparrows, Snow Finches." PBS, nhpbs.org/wild/Passeridae.asp. Accessed 15 May 2024.
Winkler, D. W., et al. "Old World Sparrows (Passeridae)." Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2020, birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/passer4/cur/introduction. Accessed 15 May 2024.