House Sparrow

[attachment=16650]

House Sparrow
The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the House Sparrow occurs naturally in most of Europe, the Mediterranean region, and much of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird. The House Sparrow is strongly associated with human habitations, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, and deserts away from human development. A small bird, it has a length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in) and a weight of 24–39.5 grams (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings.



Description
The House Sparrow is a chunky bird,[3] typically about 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long, ranging from 14–18 centimetres (5.5–7.1 in).[4] It has a large rounded head, a short tail, and a stout bill.[3] In weight, the House Sparrow generally ranges from 24–39.5 grams (0.85–1.39 oz). Weight varies by sex, with females usually smaller than males.[5] Younger birds are smaller, males are larger during the winter, and females larger during the breeding season.[6] Between and within subspecies, there is further variation based on latitude, altitude, climate, and other environmental factors, under biological rules such as Bergmann's rule.


Taxonomy
The House Sparrow was among the first animals to be given a scientific name in the modern system of biological classification, since it was described by Carl Linnaeus in the 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae, as Fringilla domestica.[27] Later the genus name Fringilla came to be used only for the Chaffinch and its relatives, and House Sparrow has usually been placed in the genus Passer created by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760