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The
common House Sparrow (actually a member of the Weaver Finch family) is actually
an exotic species of British origin. The species was first introduced to
North America in New York City in 1850. Quebec's first intentional introduction
of the House Sparrow was in 1868, when Colonel William Rhodes released this
species into Quebec City. Two years later, it showed up in Montreal. By
1896, the house sparrow had become abundant. This species is certainly one
of the world's best-adapted bird species to human settlement; its range
in Quebec corresponds closely with patterns of human settlement such as
cities, suburbs, and farms. It's hard to believe that this little bird waits
out the long cold winters of Quebec. Nests are commonly located in cavities
of buildings or trees, with adult birds remaining near the nest site throughout
the year. The original food source of the House Sparrow consisted of the
undigested grains found in horse droppings. Not surprisingly, replacement
of the horse with the automobile in the early 1900's led to a decline in
populations of the House Sparrow in North America. A more recent reduction
in House Sparrow populations in Quebec corresponds with the expansion of
the House Finch (from western North America) into Eastern North America
during the 1940's and 50's. The House Finch has similar habits to the House
Sparrow, and probably now competes with the House Sparrow. Who says bird
history is boring? |
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