Sparrows

Sparrows can be found throughout Ontario. They are not typically migratory birds, however some may in cold climates they may move to warmer breeding and winter roosting sites in the city. They nest and roost in and around residential, recreational/cottage and commercial properties and they have a rather large breeding capacity. They build large nests that will often hold several families. These nests are constructed out of coarse dried sticks and other vegetation, feathers, string and paper. Sparrows are known as nuisance pest birds due to their territorial and often troublesome nesting habits.

Sparrows can be a nuisance in both urban and rural areas due to their nesting, eating and roosting habits. Sparrows are aggressive birds that will often force out other birds from their territories and dominate feeders. They are flocking birds and will gather in the thousands to take over feeding and roosting areas. Sparrows will often construct their nests under roof eaves, in crevices and holes in walls and out-buildings, in/on machinery and in/on commercial signs. They roost in noisy flocks on branches of trees and bushes, under eaves of houses, attic vents and commercial signs. Sparrows damage crops and gardens by pecking seeds, seedlings, buds, flowers, vegetables and maturing fruits. They consume and spoil livestock food and water and contaminate or deface buildings, facilities and livestock with their nests and droppings.