How to Attract Sparrows to your Garden
Having your garden teeming with sparrows are a great way to observe these birds in their natural habitat. It’s said that there at least 35 species of sparrows in North America, sparrows can also be found in New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and Australia, their habitat includes the edges of woodlands, roadsides, farmlands, grasslands, and gardens. The most common sparrow is the house sparrow, these birds congregate in areas such as farms, cities, towns, and suburbs.
Sparrows are social birds and don’t same to be afraid when they are in the presence of humans. These birds can provide excitement as they create a buzz with their presence bringing your backyard garden to life as they build their home, feed, dust bathe and raise their young. Below we will be looking at proven methods of having success in attracting sparrows.
Planting native plants
A great way to attract sparrows to your garden is by installing native plants and not just any native plants but plants that will have their heads turning drawing them to your garden like a magnet. Below is a list of plants that will have your garden area buzzing with sparrows.
- Wild grasses
- Blackberries
- Trees
- Thickets
Providing a food source
Other food sources that will attract sparrows are seed-bearing flowers such as cracked corn, millet, sunflowers. The seeds can be placed on the soil surface.
Choosing a bird feeder
Providing a bird feeder is another great way in adding a food source to your garden, a bird feeder will also help in keeping sparrows high of the ground from predators. Though there are so many to choose from ensure, the one that is chosen is strong, can withstand the elements especially the winter months, and is easy to clean.
Providing a birdbath
Providing a birdbath will help to welcome your feathered friends, a birdbath that is close to the ground is much preferred, moving water will also get their attention. Installing a birdbath of this type will accommodate these birds, placing this a birdbath near dense shrubs will help by causing sparrows to feel safe and secure. A heated birdbath is an added bonus that will keep the water from freezing during the winter months.
Loose Soil
Providing loose soil in a sunny area is ideal for sparrows to take a dusk bath, taking a bath of this sort is so important because the dust removes debris, dry skin will absorb oils to keep their feathers from becoming greasy. This cleaning of the feathers will also help sparrows when they take to flight this dusk bath is beneficial for their plumage.
A bird’s plumage
The definition of a bird’s plumage refers to the pattern of a bird’s feathers and the colors that are produced. The plumage helps in identifying different species of birds but what has been observed is that although some birds maintain their plumage there are others that change throughout the year.
Installing a birdhouse
Installing a birdhouse will help your sparrow friends to feel right at home, ensure that the birdhouse is secured and out of the reach of cats, dogs, and other predators, another source of shelter is by providing trees and thickets.
Nesting materials for sparrows
Here are some nesting materials to leave laying on the ground.
- Paper
- Strings
- Thread
- Twigs
- Straws
- Grasses
- Leaves
Lending a helping hand
It is good to give a helping hand by cleaning the birdhouse once the breeding season has passed which is usually by mid-August. To ensure that the season is over keep a watch on the birdhouse, once you’re such they are gone this is a good time to go ahead and do some spring cleaning in preparation for your feathered friends. This cleaning works best with birdhouses that can be easily opened from one side.
Inspect the house and remove all nesting materials, if there are minor repairs that are needed then at this point do so, a mixture of dish liquid, bleach, and water is ideal. Scrub the house thoroughly followed by rinsing with fresh water allowing the house to dry.
15 Interesting sparrow facts
1. Sparrows are social birds
2. Male sparrows are the ones that build the nest.
3. Even though sparrows do not belong to the waterbird family they have been known to swim very fast to get away from danger.
4. In the wild sparrows can survive up to five years.
5. It is said that a sparrow’s gender can be determined by the color of its feathers.
6. Sparrows adapt easily around humans.
7. Most sparrow pairs will seek to produce 2-3 broods per year.
8. Sparrows can fly 24 miles per hour.
9. Both parents will watch over the eggs and the chicks when they hatch.
10. The most commonplace for sparrows to build their home is in a tree hollow, roofs, and surprisingly under bridges.
11. Sparrows are not territorial but will become aggressive against other sparrows when protecting their nest.
12. Sparrows have a stout body with rounded wings.
13. Fifteen days after birth young sparrows leave the nest.
14. Predators of sparrows are fox, dog, cats, and snakes.
15. When sparrows are in danger they can fly up to 31 miles per hour.
The final word
Wildlife gardening is so amazing, this is a great way to connect with nature. Providing a home in your very backyard for sparrows will help greatly by bringing balance to the ecosystem while watching them in their natural habitat.
By providing a home for sparrows will encourage them to raise their young right in your backyard, this is a great way to get children involved as they learn not only about these birds but all about what nature has to offer so bring your backyard garden to life as you garden for wildlife having your garden area teeming with sparrows as they create a buzz that will bring so much excitement. With that said let’s get started.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.