falconrybasics

[falconrybasics]

Correct Identification for House Sparrows vs Native species

The house sparrow is a great bird to trap for falconry. They are an invasive species and out compete native birds by destroying their nests and being largely aggressive. 

When trapping birds its important to become familiar with your local birds that may end up in your trap so you can release them in a timely manner.

here is our intended culprit, a male House Sparrow.

note the black chin patch and the patterned brown wing feathers. Harder to identify is the female, note the eyebrow stripe and solid color stomach with the same brown patterned wings.

Thankfully the only native birds I had to release were both male and female house finches. Although the two species share a similar name, the house finches are a native species and look strikingly different when you take the time to look at the females closer.

Above, is a photo of a female House finch. Notice how the wings are grey? she also has a striped breast and no facial markings. The males are much harder to mistake for sparrows but i will provide a photo none the less as they are quite beautiful.

I hope this helps with your sparrow trapping endeavors. 

[falconrybasics]

Falconry Basics

Hello! If you’re seeing this, this is my first post!

My name is Elizabeth, at the time of writing this I’m an apprentice falconer in California. I am making this blog to save some of my projects and other information about my falconry experiences. 

As always I will encourage you to do your own research and reach out to your local falconers and not take any of my word as law. There are hundreds of ways to participate in the sport, this is just my own. 

Cheers and Happy Hawking!