The House sparrow is an invasive species introduced from Europe. No other North American wild bird is so associated with human settlement as this introduced House sparrow. Its foods are nearly all imports, and its nesting and cover requirements are also human-derived. The House sparrow and European starling are the only introduced passerine birds that are thriving in Oregon. These birds can dominate bird feeders and utilize nest boxes that were intended for native species.

The House sparrow can be found statewide around buildings at human developments of adequate size ranging from scattered farmsteads in remote and rural areas to highly populated areas. It is absent to uncommon in the Coast Range and west Cascades and at most mountain resort areas. However, dispersants that have not remained visit small communities.

Hear the song of the House sparrow

Photo by Kathy Munsel, ODFW