Unusual House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Nesting Behavior

Published in 1983

Some aspects of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) nesting behavior were observed at the Demonstration Farm in Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, Alabama. Observations were made almost daily between 17 February and 1 June 1982. Twelve pairs of nesting sparrows were observed in the demonstration arena, building large and bulky nests between the supporting steel rafters of the ceiling. Initially, farm workers used rubber green snakes, 12 inches long, to detour nesting of these birds. After only two days the sparrows became habituated to the snakes and began roosting on and near them. In one instance a snake was used for nesting material.


Author: Daniel J. Drennen
Volume Number: 30 Year Published: 1983
Issue Number: 1-2
Page Number: 3

Link to article: http://birdlife.aosbirds.org/1983/Vol 30 No 1, 2_1983_p3-4.pdf
Link to the full issue of BirdLife: http://birdlife.aosbirds.org/1983/Vol 30 No 1, 2_1983.pdf