The oldest House Sparrow - Passer domesticus – was older than 19 years 9 months. It was found dead in Denmark.

The House Sparrow is a chunky bird, with a large rounded head, a short tail, and a stout bill. Females are usually smaller than males. They are mostly different shades of grey and brown. Females and juveniles are mostly buff and the male marked with bold colours. The male has a “bib” or throat patch.

They originated in the Middle East and spread, along with agriculture, to most of Eurasia and parts of North Africa. Since the mid-nineteenth century, it has reached most of the world, due chiefly to deliberate introductions.