Are House Sparrows Invasive? (Problems, Control + FAQs)

Originating in Africa and Asia, house sparrows are probably the most widespread bird species in the world, with populations in Asia, Europe, Africa, America and Oceania. So, are house sparrows considered an invasive species?

House sparrows likely originated in Africa and the Mediterranean, before spreading to Europe and Asia, which are believed to be their native ranges. Populations elsewhere, such as the Americas, were introduced in the 19th century and are considered invasive.

House sparrows are so incredibly adaptable that they thrive on nearly every continent where there are plenty of homes or structures to live in.

In fact, they’ve grown to become one of the most abundant bird species in the United States, even though they’ve only lived there since about 1850!

There is a very interesting story behind the advent of sparrows in America – read on to find out more!

In the Americas, house sparrows are considered invasive

Why are house sparrows invasive?

House sparrows are classified as invasive because they are not a native species and because of their aggressiveness during breeding season, they can often drive native birds from their nests. Also, house sparrows tend to nest in buildings, which can sometimes lead to damage.

The house sparrow is an introduced species everywhere except Africa, Asia and Europe, which is their native range. They were introduced to the United States in 1852 by entrepreneur and amateur ornithologist Eugene Schieffelin.

Schieffelin is a proponent of so-called “domestication” and president of the American Domestication Society. Acclimatization involves importing animals, including birds, from overseas and watching them adjust to their new habitat. The American Domestication Association is responsible for importing house sparrows and European starlings.

House sparrows were originally released near Schieffelin’s Madison Square home to “save the trees.” Instead, house sparrows reproduced rapidly, much to the delight of the American Domestication Society, which doubled down on their efforts to breed the non-native bird.

By 1900, house sparrows had spread into the Rocky Mountains, and other introductions in San Francisco and Salt Lake City increased the bird’s foothold in the west.

The rest – as they say – is history, as house sparrows are common throughout North America except for Alaska and northern Canada.

House sparrows often nest in houses and buildings

Why are sparrows considered a problem?

In the United States, house sparrows are often considered a pest. This is because they are numerous and often nest in and around buildings, which is considered a nuisance.

Additionally, house sparrows tend to be very aggressive during the breeding season and snatch nesting sites from native birds. Some have even accused house sparrows of killing the chicks of other birds, although this may be extremely rare.

The true ecological impact of house sparrows is debated, but a Cornell University study found that house sparrows make up 43 percent of all competing species and pose a serious threat to native species such as bluebirds.

Are sparrows a pest?

In general, house sparrows are considered a pest when they compete with native birds for food and nesting sites or damage crops. Despite their small size and seemingly benign behavior, house sparrows are stubborn birds that far outnumber native species in some areas.

Female sparrow at bird feeder

Are sparrows a threat to other birds?

House sparrows are a threat to some native cave-nesting birds in the United States and Canada. Specifically, they compete with eastern bluebirds, purple martins, and tree martins.

In some regions, house sparrows accounted for 43 percent of competing species, greatly disrupting the reproductive dynamics of native species.

What problems can sparrows cause?

Sparrows are avid feeders of seeds and grains and can cause damage to crops and backyard gardens. They also nest in hollows and tend to compete with native hollow-nesting birds such as eastern bluejays, purple martins and tree swallows.

With careful positioning, house sparrows can stay away from nest boxes, as they prefer nest boxes closer to buildings. Keep nest boxes away from the house—especially at roof or eave level.

House sparrows nest in roof space

How is the sparrow?

Sparrows are hardworking birds that are fun to watch and you can’t doubt their intelligence because that’s why they became so common in the first place. In most cases house sparrows are considered pests.

However, some believe they are good pest control because they feed on aphids and other crop-damaging insects. This depends on the region and/or environment and the presence of other birds.

How can you get rid of sparrows?

Sparrows can prevent them from nesting by using netting to hold back eaves or rafters. You can also buy specialized insect repellants, such as gels.

Ultrasonic repellents also deter house sparrows, but they also deter other birds. In the garden, place bird boxes away from buildings and give no food while sparrows are eating.

Sparrow perched on top of a bush

Are sparrows protected?

As one of the few non-native birds in the United States, house sparrows are not protected by federal laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Therefore, it is usually legal to remove them humanely by any means possible, including killing the birds. But does that mean you should? Absolutely not – it depends on the effect the sparrow has on the local environment.

In the UK, house sparrows are a native species, protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. However, when sparrows become a pest, general permits are usually issued to control sparrows.

How were sparrows introduced?

In 1851, entrepreneur and amateur orthotist Eugene Schieffelin deliberately introduced sparrows to New York. The introduction of non-native species, known as “domestication,” was very common at the time. Unfortunately, most people do not realize the consequences of introducing non-native species until many years later.

Sparrows weren’t the only birds Schieffelin introduced. He also successfully introduced European starlings and tried unsuccessfully to introduce bullfinches, chaffinches, nightingales and larks.

Three male sparrows at a coconut bird feeder

Where are sparrows native to?

Sparrows are native to Europe, North Africa and most of Asia. They are extremely common in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand where they are considered non-native and/or invasive.

Do sparrows kill other birds?

Sparrows are aggressive during breeding season and will take smaller birds and their eggs from the nest for themselves. This is not an uncommon behavior, but it does create extra stress for cavity-nesting birds such as eastern bluerobins, purple martins and tree swallows.