Sparrows Nest Building

Harold Smith · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 07:06 PM

Yesterday my wife and I went out for the day and when we got back, about mid afternoon, we noticed many feathers on the ground in the back garden. It was obvious that something had attacked a Wood Pigeon. My guess it was the local Sparrowhawk. There was no sign of a carcass but the feathers covered an area of about of two square metres. They were mostly breast feathers, so I suspect whatever it was (Sparrowhawk?) had a good pluck before flying off with the body.

This morning I noticed that the feather patch was getting smaller and smaller. In about an hour or so House Sparrows had collected most of the feathers for what I can only assume was for nest building. It seemed to me like fifty or sixty sparrows collected the feathers; I suspect is was only a small number coming back again and again. Anyway it was fascinating to watch them picking up as many feathers as they could before flying off with them.

Harold.

SheffieldLass · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 07:15 PM

Male sparrows really love picking up feathers, and not just in the breeding season. They seem to like parading with them at any time, cheeping loudly. Tree sparrows seem just as keen on them as house sparrows.

Harold Smith · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 07:29 PM

That's an interesting point Sheffield Lass as most of the sparrows I saw picking up the feathers were males. From what you say they must be a right load of posers! I wonder if that applies to some of us males.

Harold.

Ps: Just for the record with my Avatar there's no way I'm a poser! I usually hide in the bushes.

SheffieldLass · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 07:42 PM

That is because the male builds the nest and hopes to attract a female to it. And yes they do seem to pose with the feathers ... I suppose it is their equivalent of a lonely hearts ad plus estate agents sign ... desirable male/ wannabe family man with cosy love nest seeks female for serious relationship and kids.