House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Perhaps the most citified of birds, this import's incessant chattering,
quarrelsome disposition, and abundance about human habitations
distinguish it from our native sparrows. Actually, it is not a sparrow at
all, but a weaver finch.
Almost universally condemned after its introduction into the United
States, the house sparrow not only held its own, but increased in
numbers and extended its range. It now occupies its own niche and
is regarded with amusement and considerable affection in our inner
cities.
In rural areas it does some damage to fruit, vegetables, and grain.
On the other hand, it also eats a number of insects that damage
those same crops.