The sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Where has it gone? This endearing city dweller used to be a common sight. Today, we hardly ever see it, and in many places it is already on the early warning list of endangered species.

Our modern society threatens not only sparrows through habitat loss, car traffic, and glass facades. Trees and shrubs, meadows, and herbaceous areas are giving way to residential and commercial space or energy-efficient renovation.

When nesting, these birds prefer small niches on buildings, for example on facades, in gables, under roof tiles, in eaves or in gutter boxes. These small birds also like to settle under parapets or behind facade cladding, on rain pipes, behind shutters or on stucco ornaments. Nesting aids are a useful alternative or supplement.

When installing nesting aids, make sure that they are at least 2.50 m high and facing southeast on your house. The entrance hole must not be blocked.

Its diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and berries. Native grasses, wild herbs, and berry bushes are suitable food sources—even in winter. Feeding places out of reach of cats are popular.

Hiding places are important. Sparrows always live together in groups. They love hiding places such as thorny bushes and hedges near their breeding grounds (e.g., wild roses, hawthorn) as a place to stay and for protection from predators. 

The small birds also need places to drink and bathe. Sparrows need easily visible places for watering holes and sandy areas for dust bathing to prevent parasite infestation and infections of their plumage.

The benefits for humans and nature in the city are very high. Building breeders enliven our cities, contribute to biodiversity, and, especially during the breeding and nesting season, devour countless insects. Sparrows are skilled and nimble foragers that can prevent the spread or settlement of rats, mice, and pigeons.

All Mainz residents who want to create a new home for sparrows on their own property.
We provide sparrow nesting boxes for your home free of charge. (While supplies last.) Are you interested?

Take a photo of the planned location of the nesting aid. Send your photo (max. 2 MB if possible) with your name, address, and phone number directly to the following email address: annette.kuchelmeisterstadt.mainzde with the subject line "Sparrow Friends."