Which bird described weighs about 1 oz, is 5-6 inches long, brown and chunky, with males having black bibs and females brown eye stripes, and is known to outcompete local species and transmit diseases?

Which bird described weighs about 1 oz, is 5-6 inches long, brown and chunky, with males having black bibs and females brown eye stripes, and is known to outcompete local species and transmit diseases?

• A. House Sparrow
• B. Rock Pigeon
• C. Northern Cardinal
• D. American Crow

Answer: (A)

This description fits the House Sparrow. It’s a small, plump passerine about an ounce in weight and roughly 5–6 inches long. Males have a distinctive black bib, while females show brown eye stripes, matching the gendered plumage hints in the clue. House sparrows are non-native in many areas and are well known for invading nests and feeding sites, which lets them outcompete local birds for shelter and food. They’re also associated with disease transmission among birds and can contribute to disease spread in human environments as well. The other birds don’t match the size, color patterns, or ecological impact described: rock pigeons are much larger and gray; northern cardinals are more vividly colored and larger with different markings; American crows are large and all black.

This description fits the House Sparrow. It’s a small, plump passerine about an ounce in weight and roughly 5–6 inches long. Males have a distinctive black bib, while females show brown eye stripes, matching the gendered plumage hints in the clue. House sparrows are non-native in many areas and are well known for invading nests and feeding sites, which lets them outcompete local birds for shelter and food. They’re also associated with disease transmission among birds and can contribute to disease spread in human environments as well. The other birds don’t match the size, color patterns, or ecological impact described: rock pigeons are much larger and gray; northern cardinals are more vividly colored and larger with different markings; American crows are large and all black.