64 BRITISH BIRDS. 



large extent. The bird has been introduced into America and several of 

 the islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific, into Australia, and even New 

 Zealand. These emigrants appear to thrive well, and in some instances 

 have multiplied considerably in their new homes. Thus the time is pro- 

 bably not far distant when the Sparrow will be absolutely cosmopolitan. 



It might almost appear an unnecessary task to give a full history of such 

 a well-known bird as the House-Sparrow ; nevertheless there is much in 

 its economy of interest. It is so closely associated with man and his habi- 

 tations that it may be considered to be semi-domesticated ; for almost 

 without exception it may be seen close to his haunts and industries. It is 

 as much at home in the midst of our grimiest cities as in the quiet country 

 farmyard, and lives and rears its young on the peer's mansion as well as on 

 the peasant's cottage. Wherever it is introduced it makes itself at home, 

 and is as familiar an object from the windows of the Fifth Avenue Hotel 

 as it is from those of the Langham. It appears to have no more love for a 

 country life than a town one, and in both situations is equally as pert and 

 impudent. It is generally found close to houses ; but in summer it is as 

 frequently in the fields. The House-Sparrow is a thoroughly gregarious 

 bird, and at all seasons of the year lives in close companionship with its 

 fellows. It is one of our tamest birds, and will come with all the boldness 

 of inspired confidence to our doors in search of crumbs and other food. 

 It also frequents railway-stations, hopping about amongst the carriage- 

 wheels or chirping on the iron girders above. It is equally common in the 

 grain-docks, where it breeds under the sheds, and finds a plentiful supply 

 of food scattered from the unloading ships. The House-Sparrow is perhaps 

 nowhere so common as in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London. 

 They literally swarm there, and evidently have a very easy time of it, 

 obtaining their food by feeding in the pens of the animals. At dusk the 

 evergreen trees swarm with the birds, who go there to roost, a proceeding 

 which is taken advantage of by the keepers, who net them for the purpose 

 of supplying some of the animals with food. 



The House- Sparrow is a life-paired bird; and doubtless, owing to the 

 fact that its conditions of existence are so easy, it may be found breeding, 

 more or less, throughout the whole year, especially in towns. Sparrows 

 often fight fiercely in the early months of the year ; and when two birds 

 are engaged in combat, their angry cries seem to be the signal for all the 

 birds in the neighbourhood to collect and join in the fray. They will 

 pursue each other like lightning through the bushes, all gathering in a 

 confused heap, every moment the din being increased by fresh arrivals ; 

 and when the difference is satisfactorily settled each attends to its own con- 

 cerns again. The breeding-season of the Sparrow usually commences in 

 April, and lasts through May and June. Many of the birds breed in societies, 

 others singly, according to the accommodation afforded them ; and their 



