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Critters of the Week

A wild critter we spotted in the RVA area and a critter up for adoption by SPCA or RACC.

Published

7 years ago

on

x

Either a juvenile house sparrow or female house sparrow. A male sparrow is seen above.

Female house sparrow coming in for a landing.

Where Spotted: Westover Hills
Common Name:  House Sparrow a.k.a. Random Little Brown Bird
Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz (27-30 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)

Quick Facts

  • The House Sparrow was introduced into Brooklyn, New York, in 1851. By 1900 it had spread to the Rocky Mountains.
  • Due to its abundance, ease to raise and general lack of fear towards humans, the House Sparrow has proved to be an excellent model organism for many avian biological studies.
  • House Sparrows in flocks have a pecking order much the way chickens in a farmyard do.
  • House Sparrows have been seen stealing food from American Robins and piercing flowers to drain them of nectar.

Brett Russell at RACC

Primary Color: Grey Tabby
Weight: 9.5
Age: 7yrs 0mths 3wks
Sex: Male
Pet ID: 83662

Adopt Brett Russell at RACC

Learn more about their Adoption Process or how to Foster A Pet.

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Richard Hayes is the co-founder of RVAHub. When he isn't rounding up neighborhood news, he's likely watching soccer or chasing down the latest and greatest board game.