Weaver Finches (Passeridae)
True sparrows, the Old World sparrows in the Family Passeridae, are
small passerine birds. As eight or more species nest in or near buildings,
and the house sparrow and Eurasian tree sparrow in particular inhabit
cities in large numbers, sparrows may be the most familiar of all wild birds.
Generally, sparrows tend to be small, plump brown-grey birds with
short tails and stubby, powerful beaks. The differences between sparrow
species can be subtle. They are primarily seedeaters, though they also
consume small insects. A few species scavenge for food around cities and,
like gulls or pigeons, will happily eat virtually anything in small quantities.
Members of this family range in size from the chestnut sparrow (Passer
eminibey), at 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) and 13.4 g., to the parrotbilled sparrow
(Passer gongonensis), at 18 cm (7 inches) and 42 g. (1.5 oz).
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