Sparrows are the most common songbird species in the world. They have adapted to the way of life of the people and populate the residential areas. What can you do if
Profile: Sparrow
- House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Size: 16 centimeters
- Characteristic: large head, powerful beak
- Males: brown stripes on the sides of the head, black throat, gray top of the head
- Females: dull brown
- Diet: Grains, seeds, young birds are fed with insects
No place for sparrows
House sparrows are where people live. In the past centuries they have adapted to the human way of life as so-called cultural followers. In barns and stables, under overhanging shingle or reed roofs, they have found sufficient nesting opportunities so far. Their menu was always full, because they found enough food in rural agriculture. For several decades, people's lives have changed significantly. Large cities displaced the rural structures, modern houses offer only few opportunities to build nests.
Almost unnoticed by the industrialization of agriculture at the beginning of the 20th Century clearly
removed. But sparrows are adaptable. When sparrows breed under the roof, the children look forward to chirping visitors. However, homeowners fear damage and pollution to the house. What can you do? Is a gentle eviction or even a implementation of the sparrow's nest possible?House sparrows need buildings to build their nests. They build their nests three to ten meters high:
- under the roof tiles
- in cavities between roof battens
- behind the gutter
The creative birds also use them to build their nests
- Woodpecker holes in thermally insulated facades
- Rooms behind company signs
- Voids in neon signs
Damage from the sparrow's nest
Homeowners' fears are not unfounded. A sparrow's nest on the house can damage the fabric of the building. The sparrow seldom comes alone. The birds live in colonies and build their nests as closely as possible. When a pair of sparrows has found a nesting place in your house, other sparrows will follow the example.
Damage to the house occurs:
- Pollution from bird droppings
- Loudness of chirping sparrows near the window
- Damage to the facade
Preventive measures
If you want to protect your house from damage, you can
Prevent nest building with our tips.- Seal damaged areas on the house. Pay special attention to places under the eaves.
- Have the roof checked regularly by experts. Loose roof tiles and loose roof battens are recognized, which offer the opportunity to build a nest.
- Don't leave leftover food or food bowls on your property.
Remove sparrow's nest?
Removing a sparrow's nest is not a good idea! The Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits the destruction of breeding grounds and breeding grounds for wild animals. The lower nature conservation authority in your district will answer your questions and, if necessary, issue special permits.
Exceptions are possible, at:
- several sparrow nests on the house
- Danger to playing children
- Residents with allergies
- Risk of considerable damage to buildings
Attention: Anyone who removes or removes a sparrow's nest without permission destroying the clutch or killing young birds will be punished with a fine.
Gently drive away sparrows
There are several ways to prevent house sparrows from building nests under the roof.
1. Dummies
Sparrows are on the menu of birds of prey. Buzzards, owls and jays pose a threat to the small songbirds. Dummy birds on the roof can help drive the house sparrows away. Make sure to move the dummy every now and then. Otherwise the birds will recognize the trick and simply build their nest next to it.
2. Sounds
Played bird calls from various birds of prey can help make the building less attractive to sparrows.
3. Reflective discs
The sparrow is sensitive to reflective discs and
Tapes. Anyone who installs these commercially available aids as a bird scarer near suitable breeding grounds is initially safe from unwanted visitors. But the protection does not last long. Sparrows soon realize that there is no danger from the flashing discs and ignore them.4. Ultrasonic
Repelling animals in the garden with ultrasound devices is a popular method. It is used against cats, martens, raccoons and also against sparrows. It is questionable whether the investment in these devices is really worthwhile.
5. Wind chimes
Wind chimes are often set up in the garden as jewelry but also to drive away birds. They are available in different variations.
6. spikes
Spikes on the roof are used to repel birds. The strips with metal or plastic tips are glued, nailed or riveted to the roof. They are mainly used to drive away pigeons, special versions help against the settlement of swallows or sparrows.
Living together
Before you use your strength to drive away sparrows, examine the possibilities for peaceful coexistence. Is the breeding site chosen by the pair of sparrows really annoying? Attach a manure board to protect the facade. The little birds are fascinating. Enjoy watching the sparrows raise their young. Experience the calls of the hungry young birds and their first flight. Perhaps this experience alone is sufficient compensation for the impairment?
Did you know?
Do you know where the name "Dreckspatz" comes from?
The reason for this is the little bird's love for the dust bath. Many people know the image of the little sparrow bathing in the dirt on the dusty dirt road. This bath helps the birds to drive vermin out of the plumage.