HOUSE SPARROW. 



69 



INSESSORES. FRWGILLIDJE. 



CON1ROSTRES. 



PLATE CIV. 



HOUSE SPARROW. 

 Passer domesticus. (i?ay.) 



The House Sparrow, it is almost superfluous to observe, 

 is one of our commonest English birds, and very generally 

 dispersed ; being found in this country wherever human habi- 

 tations are to be met with, from the solitary cottage to the 

 crowded city. This species is also widely distributed through- 

 out Europe, from Norway and Sweden on the north, to the 

 Mediterranean and its islands on the south, and to the oppo- 

 site coast of Africa. Specimens of this species have also 

 been brought from several parts of India. 



The House Sparrow is a bird of quick and lively passions, 

 exemplified in the attachment it shows to its mate and off- 

 spring, and in its frequent quarrels with its associates. This 

 species is cautious and cunning, and seldom falls into a snare, 

 if ever so well contrived : it is bold and forward in its ap- 

 proaches to our dwellings, but instead of the gentle and 

 pleasing confidence displayed towards the human race by the 

 redbreast, the nightingale, the redstart, and some other small 

 birds, the Sparrow shows a bold disregard that is far from 

 engaging affection ; as if our kindness and our enmity were 

 alike despised. Instances are not wanting, however, of great 

 attachment on the part of caged Sparrows for persons by whom 

 they have been reared. 



