New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-21
THE ENGLISH SPARROW.
WAYS OF THIS DOMESTICATED FOR
EIGN BIRD.
BY c. William Beebe. curator of ornithoogy. New
York Geological Society.

BY c. William Beebe. curator of ornithology. New
York Geological Society.
A great many people say they love nature but
have little time to go into the country and so
have to depend books for most of their fnforma-
ton concerning birds and flowers and other forms
of life There is reason. however why any one
should not begin to cultivate his powers of OBJ
servation even in the heart of great city. Let
take the sparrow, for example, and how much
We can learn in few minutes Most of us prob
ably know the difference between the male and
female English sparrows. but will venture TO say
that not one IN ten persons could give satisfac-
tory description of the colors of either. This Is
good example Of how much look and how little
We really
Little can be said in favor of the English spar
rows characteristics of disposition but let not
blame them for their unfortunate increase in num-
bers. Man brought them from England. where
they are kept in check by natures wise laws. He
deliberately introduced these birds where nature
was not prepared for them with the result that
our native birds and :he tempers of our citizens
suffer II we can learn anything from watching
these rats Of the air. they have been called.
let us Improve the opportunity.
When We put aside prejudice we can that the
male bird. especially when in his bright spring
colors, is really attractive with his ashy
mead his back streaked with black and bay, the
white bar on his wings the chin and throat jet
back contrasting strongly with the uniformly
hght coIored under parts. If this rare bird
the black throated sparrow would enjoy I'M
limited admiration
1t is wonderful how he can adapt himself
conditions, nesting anywhere and everywhere, and
this very adaptation is sign of a high order OF
intelligence. He has. however many characteristics
which tell us of his former life and surroundings,
and the noticing of these will give vacations
much more value and enjoyment 5 apply the
facts to our native birds of the woods and waters
a few of the habits OF this sparrow may misIead
us. His thick. conical bill is made for crushing
seeds but now he feeds on so many different sub
stances that its original use which is shown by
Its shape, is obscured. II there such thing
as vaudeville among birds the common sparrow
would be a star imtator. He clings to the bark
OF trees and picks out grubs supporting himself
with his tail like a woodpecker; he launches out
into the air. taking insects the wing like fly
catcher; he clings like a chickadee to the under
side of twigs. hovers In front OF heap of insect
eggs. presenting rather feeble imitation of a
hummingbird These modes of feeding represent
many different families of birds
Although his straw and feather nests shape
less affairs. and he often feeds garbage, all
aesthetic feeling is lost. can plainly see
cravat, spreads wings and tail. and beseeches his
lady love TO admire him. Thus he woos her
long he is alone. but when several other eager
suitors arrive his patience gives out, and the court
ing turns into football game kough ana tu ~. s
Is the word. and somehow in the midst OF IL al
her highness manages to make her mind known,
and off she flies with the lucky one Thus we have
birds
1t is worth noting that the male alone is orna-
mented, while the colors OF the female are much
palmer. This dates from a time when 1t neces-
sary for the female to be concealed while sitting
on the eggs The young OF both sexes are coored
curing the black gorget until perfectly able TO taKo
care OF themselves. There are some interesting