# The House Sparrow/The English Sparrow in America

* On the Present Status of Passer Domesticus in America., by Elliott Coues
* From Avifauna Columbiana, by Elliott Coues and D. W. Prentiss
* From Key to North American Birds, by Elliott Coues
ON THE PRESENT STATUS OF PASSER DOMESTICUS IN AMERICA.
With Special Reference to the Western States and Territories.
By DR. ELLIOTT COUES, U.S.A.
Now that the enormous increase and rapid dispersion of the European house-sparrow in America have resulted in the appearance of this objectionable bird in various portions of the Western States and Territories, it is time to consider what means may be taken to check its westward extension; for the agriculturists of that portion of our country have already enough to do to contend with the grasshopper scourge, without having to guard their crops against a plague only less formidable and imminent. Should the noxious birds become as numerous and as widely diffused in the West as they are already in the thickly settled portions of the United States, they would there prove even more destructive to the crops than they are known to be in the East. For here they still live, for the most part, in cities, towns, and villages, where they derive their subsistence chiefly from street-garbage, ​especially horse-manure; but in the West, where such supplies are more limited, these granivorous birds would at once and continually prey upon the crops. I am not informed to what extent they may have multiplied already in some of the places, as at Salt Lake City, to which they have been transported, and where they have obtained a foothold; but it may not be too late, if vigorous measures are taken at once, to stamp out the plague. The strongholds of the birds are few, comparatively speaking, and isolated to such a degree that the eradication of the birds from that part of the United States may not be now absolutely impracticable, as unfortunately seems to be the case in the East. The Great Plains offer a natural barrier to the westward progress of the birds from the Mississippi; and if pains be taken to destroy the advance guard as fast as they move westward, the evils now suffered in the East may be long delayed or even avoided. In most parts of the West where the sparrows have appeared, it is believed that they have been imported, not that they reached these spots by spontaneous migration or natural dispersion. If this be the case, indeed, it may not be a matter of the greatest difficulty to destroy them, root and branch, in the comparatively few places in which they have already become naturalized. Should this be done, and laws be passed prohibiting the introduction of the birds into the Western States and Territories, immunity from invasion might be secured for a practically unlimited period. To bring this matter to the attention of the people in the West, and to urge that such measures be taken without further dangerous delay, is the object of the present paper.
This may seem an extreme course, to the few who still ​look favourably upon the presence of the sparrow in America; but such may be assured that it is no more than the exigencies of the case demand. Unless the sparrows can be made to devour grasshoppers there is absolutely no occasion for their naturalization in the West, not even the flimsy excuse for them that we sometimes hear made in the East. That they will not subsist upon grasshoppers to any extent, or upon potato-beetles, may be regarded as a foregone conclusion; and in the absence of other sources of food-supply, they will infallibly fall upon the crops.
Though it must appear to all well-informed persons a work of supererogation to point out what mischief the sparrows have done, what worse evils are in prospect, and what thoroughly undesirable birds these are from every standpoint, yet the people of the West may not be fully apprised as yet of the actual state of the case. Their attention is therefore called to the present status of the sparrow in America, as fully exhibited in the following review of the situation.
For it occurs to me that the facts in the case can in no way be more forcibly presented or more clearly illustrated than by the simple and lucid method of setting forth, in sufficient detail, the controversy which the introduction of the sparrow into America has occasioned, and analyzing the mass of evidence we have accumulated. To such a record, moreover, attaches a degree of historical interest. Instead of expressing my own views, or of preparing statements which might be open even to an unfounded charge of prejudice, I have therefore thrown what I have to say into the form of a commentary on the record itself, leaving each one to form his own opinion on the subject.
​The following record (*) forms a portion of a more elaborate article which I have in preparation upon the general subject. Though very incomplete—in fact, representing but a fragment of the literature which the sparrow question has occasioned—it is sufficient for present purposes. It is compiled from all available sources, without partiality or prejudice, and the commentary is written without fear, favour, or affection. It includes every article which I have seen, and a few others, the titles of which I have taken from Mr. T. G. Gentry's book. For some, I am indebted to the kindness of Prof. C. V. Riley. Articles in favour of, as well as those unfavourable to, the sparrow, have been collated with equal care; but those of the former character are so few and weak in comparison with those of the latter category that, if the contributions to the subject made by the eminent ornithologist, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, be excepted, little remains on that side of the question. Additional titles of articles bearing upon the off-side of the controversy are therefore the special desiderata of this piece of bibliography; but any additions to the list or corrections of errors which may be detected will be very acceptable to the compiler.
* The 'record' to which Dr. Coues refers, forms seventeen closely printed large octavo pages, which sufficiently shows the great importance attached to the 'English Sparrow Question' in America. It is not, however, of sufficient interest to English readers to demand its reproduction. The following portion is a fair sample of the rest.
It appears from the record herewith presented that the credit of being the first in this country to foresee and predict the evil to result from the introduction of sparrows into America belongs to Dr. Charles Pickering. This article may be regarded as the entering-wedge; and as such it is entitled to special consideration. It was not, however, until 1874 that the controversy was fairly opened, though in the mean time several American writers ventured to express their apprehensions, and to give warnings which passed unheeded. Cf., e.g., Bruce, Amer. Nat. vi. 1872, pp. 469, 470; Coues, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, p. 146.
That they are not efficient destroyers of insects, but that they do drive away native birds.
The opening of the controversy on the part of Dr. Brewer. 'I regret very much that a naturalist generally so well informed as Dr. Coues should aid in giving what my own observations compel me to believe to be an altogether wrong statement in regard to the house-sparrow, published in the July number of the Naturalist. … I submit that this is too important a question to be thus dismissed, especially by a gentleman like Dr. Coues, who has enjoyed no opportunity of knowing from his own observations whether the opinions he is so free to express are well founded or not. The statement of Mr. Gentry I entirely discredit.' Dr. Brewer's own observations and opinions follow.
Having expressed, in the Key to North American Birds, p. 146 (1872), apprehensions that the sparrows would soon begin to interfere with the native species, Dr. Coues prints a statement from Mr. T. G. Gentry, verifying the anticipation. Says Mr. Gentry, referring to sparrows in Germantown, Pa.: 'They increase so rapidly, and are so pugnacious, that our smaller native birds are compelled to seek quarters elsewhere.' Dr. Coues continues: 'I did not expect the bad news quite so soon. Probably it will not be long before we hear the same complaints from other places. … There is no occasion for them (the sparrows) in this country: the good they do in destroying certain insects has been overrated. I foresee the time when it will be deemed advisable to take measures to get rid of the birds, or at least to check their increase.'
'Several articles which have lately appeared in The American Naturalist and American Sportsman, from my pen and others, indicate that a pretty lively contest is likely to result. Much as I dislike controversy … I am just as willing to stand corrected as to prove anybody else wrong. The personal aspect of the question is a matter of the utmost indifference to me. … It is a more important question than it looks at first sight, and it is daily growing more so. Now let us accumulate evidence.'
Attesting the molestation of various American native birds by the sparrows, in amplification of his previous testimony to the same effect (tom. cit. p. 436); and denouncing as groundless the charges of misrepresentation brought against E. Coues and himself by T. M. Brewer (tom. cit. p. 556). The article is notable among those opening the controversy.
Statement of the quantity of kitchen vegetables he was able to raise by using netting to prevent the sparrows from doing serious damage.
Affirmative: … 'that to reduce the number of caterpillars on a few thousand shade trees in deference to the weak nerves of over-nice individuals, we had opened a perfect Pandora's box, and let fly through the land destruction to the grain crops of the country to the value of millions nnually.'
'I am fearful lest they do much towards driving away from our cities our best and sweetest song-birds. … It is high time for us to declare war against the foreign intruders.'
Pugnacity of the species, which is stated to have driven away the song sparrows from the Smithsonian Grounds in Washington. Witness of the attack of sparrows upon a snowbird.
Statement that the birds are not as beneficial as they had been supposed to be, and their injurious reaction on native species.
Disappearance of swallows and other birds with the advent of sparrows at Syracuse, N. Y.
'That they destroy insects there is no doubt, but their work is not entirely beneficent; and melancholy accounts have been told of loss to the farmers by the havoc sparrows make in their grain.'
Results of two years' observations of sparrows at St. Louis, Mo. No molestation of native birds observed. 'I must say, however, that in my opinion the usefulness of the English sparrows as insect-destroying birds is greatly overrated, and that we have many native species who destroy more noxious insects in a single day than a sparrow will in a week.'
'English sparrows have had no agency in the disappearance of the worms' in Seneca County, N. Y. Editor continues: 'At the very time of their introduction into New York City and Brooklyn, a small ichneumon fly had already lessened very materially the number of span-worms, which were so disagreeably abundant in these cities, and it is very probable that the insects would have disappeared without the aid of the birds.'
'They are a most pestiferous bird, driving all our native birds away, and at the same time destroying no insect life that preys upon our roadside trees.'
Repeated spoliation of nests of robins and orioles by the sparrows.
Ejectment of different birds from their homes by the sparrows.
'Nothing eatable, if possibly accessible, is secure from his attack—garden products, as well as all kinds of fruit, cherries and grapes in particular; wheat-fields … what barns, stables, and houses contain, if not carefully guarded—will become his prey.'
A clear refutation of the assertions of T. M. Brewer and others, that the sparrow had been effective in destroying the Orgyia leucostigma, the trees being devastated by these insects, and the city forester having men at work still. 'All over the boles of the elms, maples, lindens, and other trees, might be seen crawling the larvæ … the completed cocoons were to be seen by thousands … not one is molested by passer domesticus.' The extracts from one of Dr. Brewer's articles, printed in the body of this paper, read very curiously in the face of the facts adduced. The writer had every opportunity for accurate observation.
Denunciatory of the Sparrow, and advocating the butcher birds as destroyers of the nuisance. 'The bird will unquestionably prove as great a nuisance in this country as it has been found in Europe, and I doubt not a bounty will at some time be offered for its head. … The English sparrow has driven away all our own pretty and interesting and musical birds, and I almost wish for a visitation from some immense host of "butcher-birds" to finish them.'
Citing the observations of Dr. Sacc, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. xii. p. 94, in evidence of the extraordinary fecundity of these birds. A female laid 35 eggs in as many days.(!)
One of the good results of the controversy has been the appearance of this work, in which the whole subject is set forth at full length, in clear light, with every regard for impartiality. Mr. Gentry's careful and critical survey of the situation renders his presentation of the case conclusive. All the charges that have been brought against the sparrow are discussed and substantiated, while due weight is given to the other side of the question. It is a very useful book, which should be widely circulated.
From AVIFAUNA COLUMBIANA,
By DR. ELLIOTT COUES, and D. W. PRENTISS.
A very disturbing element has been introduced since our list originally appeared; namely, the European Sparrow. Though nearly every one—even among those who were instrumental in importing the pest—admits that we made a great blunder, all are slow to be persuaded of the enormity of the mischief these little creatures will work in the course of time. With this, however, we have here nothing to do; we only bring up the subject in connection with the decrease in the number and variety of our native singing-birds in, the city itself. This is a fact which probably every one has noticed, and which few pretend to deny any longer. It is not due to the building up of the city and the increase in the population, as some have supposed. The city is parked and preserved nearly throughout, and full of shade and ornamental trees. The actual number of trees is vastly greater than it was in the cow-pasture days of the ante bellum epoch; and there is no reason why those birds which ordinarily inhabit cities should not be at least as numerous as ever, or rather more so, were they not driven away by the sparrow. It would perhaps be more accurate to say, were they not crowded and elbowed out of the way; the impress made by the sturdy little foreign vulgarians upon the native population being effected rather by their numbers, their persistency, turbulence, and noisiness, than by their pugnacity or aggressiveness; though downright acts of hostility may be continually witnessed. In fine, there is not food and room enough for many other birds where sparrows are numerous.
​This nuisance was introduced some years after our list appeared; and so far from there being any prospect of its abatement, it has increased each year. There is said to be a remedy for every ill under the sun, but none has been found as yet for this one, notwithstanding the ceaseless complaints and protests that we hear from all sides. The rowdy little gamin squeaks and lights and does worse all through the city, to the annoyance and disgust of nearly all persons. In the aggregate the suffering he will entail upon invalids and those prostrated by sickness is immeasurable. Washington harbours and encourages a select assortment of noise-nuisances: the black newspaper imps who screech every one deaf on Sunday morning; the fresh-fish fiends, the berry brutes, the soap-fat scoundrels, and the o' clo' devils; the milk mercenaries with their detonating gongs: but all these have their exits as well their entrances; the sparrows alone are tireless, ubiquitous, sempiternal. They begin just about the time one of the authors of this treatise generally goes to bed and tries to go to sleep—towards daybreak—and keep it up till their voices swell in a diapason of horror with those of the other unspeakable wretches above alluded to. They breed during the greater part of the year—breed at a year old—keep breeding—breed numberlessly. In place of many sweet songsters which used to grace and enliven our streets, we have these animated manure machines, as almost every house-owner in the city knows to his cost. Whatever may be said to the contrary, notwithstanding, the sparrows, besides persecuting the human species, do molest, harass, drive off, and otherwise maltreat and forcibly evict and attempt to destroy various kinds of native birds, which are thereby deprived of certain inalienable rights to life, ​liberty, and the pursuit of happiness after their own fashion. To offset all this what have we? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
From KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS,
By DR. ELLIOTT COUES.
The English sparrow was imported about fifteen [twenty] years ago. During a craze which even affected some Ornithologists, making people fancy that a granivorous conirostral bird would rid us of insect-pests, this sturdy and invincible little bird has overrun the whole country, and proved a nuisance without a redeeming quality. Well-informed persons denounced the bird without avail during the years when it might have been abated; but further protest is futile, for the sparrows have it all their own way, and can afford to laugh at legislature, like rats, mice, cockroaches and other parasites of the human race which we have imported. This species, of all birds, naturally attaches itself more closely to man, and easily modifies its habits to suit such artificial surroundings; this ready yielding to conditions of environment, and profiting by them, makes it one of the creatures best fitted to survive in the struggle for existence under whatever conditions man may afford or enforce; hence it wins in every competition with native birds, and in this country has as yet developed no counteractive influence to restore a disturbed balance of forces, nor any check whatever upon its limitless increase. Its habits need not be noted, as they are already better known to everyone than any native bird whatever.