The House Sparrow is a long-term Nelson resident as surely as are its people and their pets. Indeed, the House Sparrow is (on the whole) a strictly urban bird: I have not seen it in the more rural areas around the Lake, only in Nelson. This bird is what is known as an obligate commensal—it is dependant upon us. I featured this bird last April under the title Urban junkies, and since then I have found it many places in the City.
The birds I show here were photographed three months apart: first two were in early August (breeding season), second two in early October. Notice the difference in behaviour and in male plumage. Each of these pictures was taken along the edge of Duck Bay (between the Mall, and the sports fields).
During the breeding season, the male has a black bib, dark bill, a grey crown, and a rufous neck.
Here is a breeding couple at the nest box beside Duck Bay. The female is leaning out of the nest cavity.
When the breeding season ends, the male’s bill becomes yellowish, and his previously strong head colours become muted—it just makes for better camouflage when he isn’t trying to impress the females. House Sparrows frequently forage along the ground; this bird has a leaf in its bill.
At all times, the colours of the female are more muted (this bird was recorded in October). It is typical of many avian females to favour camouflage over showiness. The female House Sparrow has both a yellowish bill and a broad creamy eyebrow.
And just for the fun of it, I include a recent picture of a somewhat more intrusive perennial Nelsonite.
