Sparrows come in many varieties

Photo: Jeffrey L. Stone

The common sparrow is often the first bird you will notice because they are plentiful, enjoy living near feeders, and take advantage of most bird houses you put out. They are usually identified as little brown birds; but, alas, there are so many varieties that it often takes seasoned birders to determine the specific sparrow you are seeing.

All sparrows are song birds and can have melodic songs or even chipping sounds. You will notice that sparrows are foragers; they will feed not only at feeders but on the ground, parking lots, and restaurant patios.

Sparrows are split into two principal families: old world sparrows (Europe, Asia, and Africa), and new world sparrows (North and South America).

In the Midwest, see if you can spot the song sparrow, chipping sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, or white-throated sparrow. Finally, a quick fact about sparrows: They can fly up to about 24 miles per hour. When under pressure or escaping from a predator, they can reach 31 mph.

Brandt Carter is a local bird enthusiast as well as a puppy trainer for Canine Companions therapy dogs. She and her husband own Backyard Birds, 2374 E. 54th St., Indianapolis 46220. Brandt's column appears in The Broad Ripple Gazette. To subscribe, visit the Broad Ripple Gazette Home Page