What Do Sparrows Eat?
Sparrows are omnivorous birds with a diverse diet that varies depending on their species, habitat, and availability of food sources. Their diet typically consists of:
Natural Diet:
Seeds & Grains – They primarily eat seeds from grasses, weeds, and cultivated crops like wheat, oats, and corn.
Insects & Spiders – Especially during the breeding season, they consume protein-rich insects such as beetles, caterpillars, flies, and ants, as well as spiders.
Fruits & Berries – Some species enjoy small fruits and berries like elderberries, blackberries, and cherries.
Nectar & Buds – They may feed on flower nectar, leaf buds, and soft shoots.
Small Invertebrates – In addition to insects, some species eat small snails and earthworms.
Urban & Domestic Diet:
Human Food Scraps – In cities, sparrows often scavenge bread crumbs, rice, crackers, and other leftovers.
Bird Feed – They eat commercial birdseed blends containing millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn.
Kitchen Waste – They may nibble on cooked rice, pasta, or crushed nuts if provided.
Sparrows are opportunistic feeders and adapt well to their environment. While they prefer natural food sources, they will take advantage of whatever is available, making them highly adaptable to both rural and urban settings.