Take that you little interloper, masquerading as a sparrow!

 

 

As you may know, the house sparrow is an undesirable little bird in most areas. It’s not really a true  “sparrow” either, actually being a weaver finch, and having been brought to this country against its will around the late 1800s.  True sparrows migrate, and breed in Canada (mostly).

House Finch

It may take centuries, but a common backyard bird, native to the west coast, and common here, is gradually out-competing it. According to Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology, the House Finch is learning how to get the best nesting sites, food and such - things the pesky house sparrow needs. Neither is common in undeveloped grasslands or forests.

House Finch

 

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.