30 | OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2021 |
Birdwatchers
Introduced Species
The house sparrow, also called English sparrow, was first brought
to New York City in 1852 to control the Linden Moth, many other
sparrows would follow. They are now found in most parts of the
world near human development. They are mostly cavity nesters
and can compete with bluebirds and other cavity nesters. In fact,
the sparrow numbers have been declining along with the decline of
bluebird habitat.
The house sparrow is 6.25 inches in length. Mature males have a
black throat and breast.
Both sexes have a clean breast that helps identify them from
house finches where both sexes have a striped breast.
The scaly-breasted munia, also called spice finch and nutmeg
mannikin, measure 4 1/2 inches in length. When mature they
develop the scaly appearance on the chest. They are native to India
and Southeast Asia. Their dome like nests are near water in weedy
areas made from grasses and plumes from ornamental fountain
grass. Their range is mostly in southern California with populations
expanding and becoming stable. They do not compete with other
birds for nest sites or food which consists of seeds.
The house sparrow and munia are just two species that have been
introduced into the US by the pet trade along with intentional and
unintentional reasons.
