Bird Watching: A new Bluebird Season, 0 by 2dCousinDave

2dCousinDave wrote:
HOSP is the accepted abbreviation for House Sparrow.

It is an invasive (non native) species brought here from England more than 100 years ago. It has few predators and is very adaptable and has multiplied to the point that it is probably the most common bird in North America. It competes for nesting space with bluebirds, tree swallows, purple martins and other cavity nesters. In time it will probably wipe out many of our native songbirds.

During its breeding season (which is longer than the others), the male searches for housing and often becomes very aggressive. If it decides it wants a nest box, it will fight for it. And in a fight with a bluebird the HOSP will ALWAYS win. It is slightly smaller than a bluebird so it can enter a 1 1/2 inch opening and will kill a bluebird if it can trap it in the nest box, or break its eggs, kill its nestlings and then build its own nest on top of the eggs or even on top of the corpses.

The bluebird may chase the HOSP when both are in the open but do not be misled. If the HOSP can trap the bluebird it will surely kill it. I speak from experience.

HOSP are not protected by Federal law as are native birds, and anyone who would host bluebirds or any of the other species I have mentioned should educate themselves as to this pest and have a plan for its control before they ever put up a nest box. Otherwise they are just setting up the good birds for almost certain death. If you are blessed in not having them on your property, great! But keep an eye open for they will come eventually. My first three years I didn't see a one but now they are all over the place.

Here is a picture of a male HOSP. His beak is black during breeding season and is as hard as rock. It is truly a lethal weapon.

This message was edited Apr 17, 2011 6:25 AM