SPARROW, a word originally meaning any small bird, now restricted to those of the types enumerated below.
(1). The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is "the sparrow" par excellence. Thriving best in the neighbourhood of man, this bird is common throughout the northern parts of Europe and Asia and has been introduced into North America (in 1851) and the British colonies. • (2). The tree sparrow, or mountain sparrow (P. montanus), both sexes of which resemble the male house sparrow, but are dis tinguished by the rufous crown and doubly barred wings, is a local species in England. In China, it is abundant and replaces the house sparrow near houses and in towns.
(3). The hedge sparrow or dunnock (Prunella modularis), be longing to the thrushes (q.v.), is a little brown-backed bird with an iron grey head and neck. It is widely distributed throughout Europe.
(4). The reed-sparrow or reed-bunting is, as the second name implies, a bunting (q.v.).
(5). The numerous American sparrows are also buntings (q.v.). Among them may be mentioned the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) of which about 20 sub-species are recognized. It has a fine song. The chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a confid ing, humble little bird, with no great attractions but his man ners. The savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is abun dant in the maritime provinces of Canada, but breeds south to Iowa. The grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) is also a common form, but its skulking habits and insect-like notes cause it to be overlooked. The lark sparrow (Chondestes gramma cus) is common in the Mississippi valley east of the great plains; it has a pleasant if hurried song. The fox-sparrow (Passerella iliaca) has also a fine song; it breeds in north Canada and Alaska, wintering from Ohio southward.