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Sparrow facts for kids

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Sparrow
Tree Sparrow August 2007 Osaka Japan.jpg
Japanese tree sparrow
Scientific classification
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Passeridae

A sparrow is a small, common bird found almost everywhere in the world. These tiny birds belong to a group called Passeridae, also known as "Old World sparrows." You can often spot them building their nests close to houses and other buildings. This makes them one of the easiest birds to see in your neighborhood!

There are about 30 different kinds of sparrows in the world. The most famous one is the House sparrow, known scientifically as Passer domesticus.

What Makes a Sparrow Special?

Sparrows are small birds, usually measuring between 11 and 18 centimeters long. That's about the length of a pencil! They weigh between 13 and 42 grams, which is lighter than a small candy bar.

Most sparrows have brown and gray feathers. They have short tails and strong, small beaks. These strong beaks are perfect for cracking open seeds, which is a big part of their diet. They also enjoy eating small insects.

Sparrows are very social birds. This means they love to be around other sparrows! You'll often see them flying and feeding together in large flocks, especially when they are not raising their young.

Where Do Sparrows Live?

Sparrows are found all over the world. They are very good at living near people. This is why you can see them in cities, towns, and farms. They have adapted well to human environments. They build their nests in many places, like holes in walls, under roofs, or in bushes and trees.

What Do Sparrows Eat?

Sparrows mainly eat seeds from different plants. They also eat grains, which they find in fields or near farms. When they are feeding their young, sparrows will also eat many insects. Insects provide important protein for growing baby birds. Sometimes, they might even eat small bits of food left by people, like bread crumbs.

Other Interesting Sparrows

  • House sparrow: This is the most common sparrow you'll likely see.
  • Java sparrow: A beautiful bird known for its striking colors.

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