Page 192 - Florida Pest Control Examinations
P. 192
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
SPARROW SPARROW
Life Cycle
Nests are made in secluded spots on and inside buildings, birdhouses,
hollow trees--pretty much in any urban areas. Between three and eight
eggs are laid, which hatch in 11-17 days. Young sparrows can then fly
in about 15 days. Several generations (two to five) can be produced in
the same nest during the spring and summer. Actual Body Size, 6”
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
SPARROW
House Sparrows were brought to America from England in the 1850’s. They rapidly spread and
are obviously quite common. They are about 5-6 inches long, have a variety of markings, and
have a voice that makes many “cheeping” sounds. They routinely eat seeds, grains, some in-
sects, and occasionally vegetable matter. Sparrows will sometimes enter a house by way of the
chimney, and can be a problem to remove if large numbers have entered. They can carry many
diseases, parasites, and viruses, and are a major source of Eastern Encephalitis which spreads
especially among children.
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