Classification of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

• Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
• Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
• Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
• Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
• Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
• Class :- Aves (Biped and feathered vertebrates.)
• Sub Class :- Neornithes (True birds. Metacarpals fused.)
• Super Order :- Neognathae (Modern birds. no teeth. sternum keeled.)
• Order :- Passeriformes (Perching bird. Toes 3 in front and behind.)
• Genus :- Passer
• Species :- domesticus

Geographical distribution of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

• Passer domesticus is abundantly found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan and India, and has been introduced to North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Eocene to Recent.

Habit and habitat of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

• Most familiar companion bird freely moving and nesting in the houses. They act as commensal to man. In winter they feed on cultivated areas in flocks. They are gregarious.

General Characteristics of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

• Passer Domesticus is common house sparrow.
• It is a small bird measuring 10 to 16 cm in length.
• Body divisible into head, neck, back, breast and abdomen. Head contains eyes and beak.
• Sexual dimorphism is distinct. Female is ash white, while male is earthy brown with blackish throat and breast and white abdomen.
• Eyes small and the beak is short and conical.
• Beak adapted for seed eating.
• Breast and abdomen bulding.
• Wing and wing feathers folded over body. Tail feathers elongated.
• Feet adapted for perching. Toes 3 in front and I behind.
• Nesting practically throughout the year. Some make elaborate nests; lay 3-8 eggs.
• Young naked and blind at hatching, require feeding and care by parents before becoming independent.

Ecological Importance of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

Passer domesticus, commonly known as the house sparrow, is one of the most widespread and familiar bird species around the world, especially in urban and suburban areas. While it is often associated with human settlements, the house sparrow plays an important role in the ecosystems it inhabits. Below are its key ecological roles and importance:

1. Seed Dispersal

• Feeding on Seeds and Grains: House sparrows primarily feed on seeds, grains, and small insects. While consuming seeds from plants like grasses, cereals, and weeds, they help disperse seeds through their droppings. This assists in the spread and germination of various plant species, contributing to plant diversity and forest regeneration.

2. Pest Control

• Insect Consumption: Sparrows are also insectivores, feeding on a wide variety of insects such as beetles, aphids, caterpillars, and other pests. By controlling insect populations, house sparrows help reduce the need for chemical pesticides, contributing to more sustainable ecosystems.
• Agricultural Pest Regulation: In rural and agricultural areas, house sparrows can help in controlling pests that may damage crops, particularly those that feed on seeds or plant matter.

3. Nesting and Habitat Creation

• Nest Building: House sparrows are cavity-nesters, and they often build nests in sheltered areas, including buildings, trees, and other human structures. Their nesting activity can contribute to the creation of microhabitats for other species, such as small insects, other birds, or even mammals, that may take advantage of abandoned sparrow nests.
• Indicator of Habitat Quality: The presence of house sparrows often indicates that a habitat is well-suited for human habitation and provides a stable food supply. A decline in their populations may indicate environmental or habitat degradation.

4. Food Source for Predators

• Prey for Larger Birds and Mammals: As a common prey species, house sparrows are an important food source for larger birds of prey, such as hawks and falcons, as well as small mammals like cats and snakes. Their abundance supports predator populations and contributes to the food chain dynamics in urban and rural environments.

5. Pollination Assistance

• While not primary pollinators, house sparrows may contribute indirectly to pollination as they feed on nectar-producing flowers, potentially transferring pollen between plants and aiding in plant reproduction.

6. Social and Behavioral Contribution to Ecosystem Dynamics

• Foraging Behavior: House sparrows often forage in groups, which can help in the spreading of seeds and detecting potential food sources more efficiently. Their social behavior contributes to the structure and function of bird communities in urban environments.
• Communication and Territorial Signaling: Sparrows are highly vocal birds, using a variety of calls to communicate with one another. Their vocalizations contribute to the acoustic environment of their habitats and may also have roles in territorial defense and mate attraction.

7. Cultural and Economic Importance

• Ecotourism and Education: As one of the most recognized bird species globally, the house sparrow is often featured in educational programs about wildlife and ecology. It also plays a role in cultural traditions and is associated with human settlements, making it an iconic species for many urban populations.
• Human–Wildlife Interaction: House sparrows are adaptable to human environments and have a close relationship with human activity, feeding on scraps, living in buildings, and contributing to the biodiversity of urban ecosystems. Their presence often reflects human influence on nature and helps raise awareness about the importance of maintaining ecological balance in urban areas.

8. Role in the Urban Ecosystem

• Adaptability to Urbanization: House sparrows are one of the few species that have thrived in urban environments, adapting to human-made structures, food sources, and disturbances. Their ability to live in close proximity to humans and their significant presence in cities make them important indicators of how urbanization affects local wildlife.
• Pollution Indicators: Because house sparrows are so closely linked with human habitats, changes in their population dynamics, health, or behavior can be indicative of pollution levels or changes in urban ecosystems, such as air quality or food availability.

Conservation Considerations

• While house sparrows are currently abundant, their populations have been declining in some parts of the world, particularly in urban areas where traditional nesting sites (e.g., old buildings, trees) are being lost. Habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change are potential threats to their populations.
• Conservation efforts focusing on maintaining green spaces in cities, providing nesting opportunities, and minimizing pesticide use are essential to sustaining sparrow populations.

Passer domesticus, the house sparrow, plays a vital role in ecosystems by aiding in seed dispersal, pest control, and nutrient cycling. Its presence supports the functioning of urban and rural habitats, while its adaptability to human environments makes it a significant species for monitoring environmental health. As an important member of the food web and a contributor to biodiversity, the house sparrow helps maintain ecological balance in a variety of habitats.

Special Features of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

• The sparrows are both useful and harmful to mankind. They destroy several agricultural pests. They destroy vegetable and flower buds.

Identification of Passer Domesticus (Sparrow)

• Since this bird has earthy brown body and above features, hence it is male Passer domesticus.