2021. Study finds: House Sparrows Succeed As Invasive Birds Because They Eat Everything
December 13, 2021
House Sparrows have become so common around the world because they can eat just about anything. We set out to find which type of bird feed was their favorite.
by Skylar Cullen
House Sparrows are so common around the world that they are nearly certainly more populous than human beings. These cute little birds are relatively new to North America, but have had vast amounts of success here. They have a pretty broad diet, which allows them to infiltrate and outcompete most other native birds, whose diets tend to be specific to the foods they evolved to prefer in their habitats- making the House Sparrow an invasive species. Imagine knowing that you and your family can only eat the berries in your backyard, your neighbor’s family can only eat theirs, and some family comes along and eats up both. How would you feel?
In all seriousness, the effects of invasive species’ success can greatly reduce global and local biodiversity. It is important to study the diets and lifestyles of the species in your area or just species in general, so that we may be prepared with knowledge of their diets and needs if anything were to happen to endanger them. Urbanization is also a huge issue when it comes to losing species due to failure to adapt or compete with other species. Some birds are more bold than others, and can thrive in the presence of a new community; while others are unable to sustain the discomfort of intruders or loud noises where they usually get their food. Species that have been comfortable and unbothered for many years are at risk of failing to adapt to an ever changing world, and we need to be able to protect them.