ENGLISH SPARROW
PR

Nearly everyone knows this saucy, self-reliant and antagonistic refugee from Europe. Imported to this country in 1850, the English Sparrow, from a beginning of eight pairs released in New York, has spread from coast to coast. The bird is hardy, and its unusual fecundity results in four to nine eggs to a nest sometimes as often as three times a year.

The English sparrow is not sociable except with its own kind. It is a gregarious bird, and often twenty to thirty nests will be located in a single tree or building. The nests are large, bulky masses of straw, grasses, paper scraps and feathers. The bird has been responsible for setting fires when a lighted cigarette butt was taken up and installed in the nest.

This large sparrow is persistent in its attacks on bluebirds, chickadees, thrushes, robins and others that frequent the homes and gardens of mankind. It is not unusual for him to drive these birds from their homes and then promptly take over the quarters for himself.

The male bird is handsome in a brown suit and black tie. The female lacks the stark coloration of her mate and could easily be confused with other members of the large family.

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