The House Sparrow !

The House Sparrow

 The  Eurasian House Sparrow was introduced to United States 1850's to help alleviate cereal crop pests. Not only did these birds  help very little with the pest problem, they easily adapted across the United States causing the  displacement of many native birds from their homes.  In Illinois the House Sparrow is responsible for the decline of the Cliff Swallows.  

The House Sparrow birds tend to nest in  man made structures.  These two love birds have made home around the bus depot at the Des Plaines Metra Station. 

     

They love the taste of grains and seeds. They also don't mind  human food . If you click and enlarge this picture you can see that the sparrow has found a tasty treat. 

                                   Five Interesting Facts* 

1. The House Sparrow is one of the most common birds in the world. 
2. They love taking dust baths !
3. They have very little fear of humans 
4. They have been seen draining flowers of nectar 
5.  They are very protective of their nests and have been seen defending it from over 75 different bird species. 

*facts found on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website. Amazing website !