Sparrows

I think Sparrows are wonderful.

In fact, they're my favorite bird, possibly my favorite animal. I always feel obligated to defend this delight though. Other folks I talk to have other choices for their favorites: the Eagle (majestic and all that blah blah blah...), the Falcon (quick and ferocious), the Heron (graceful), the Hummingbird (tiny and beautiful), I've even heard the Flamingo (they are pretty funny-looking...).

But the sparrow? Usually they just warrant a passing glance.

So with this post I come to the defense of this, my favorite of avian creatures, and urge you:

Consider the Sparrow.

Yes, in color and size they are rather unremarkable. They rather resemble dirt and dust in their coloring, and they could easily fit nestled into the palm of my hand. Yet, this very coloring is what allows them to so easily mask their numbers. Have you ever had the experience of walking by a seemingly empty hedge, only to have dozens of startled sparrows flee your presence and inflict a heart attack on you at the same time? It's a thrilling experience...

They are the ninjas of feathered folk.

But how can that be? How can such a cheerful bird earn the title "ninja"? It's true, they are exceedingly friendly. Almost any outdoor eatery can give you a view of sparrows flocking to the edge of the dining area, hopping around picking up scraps, chattering and gossiping to each other and the patrons, and generally giving mirth to their admirers. These social birds will chirp within inches of people they deem nonthreatening, and gladly accept your offerings. I've even had sparrows try to cheerfully coax more tidbits out of me, cocking their head first to one side, then the other, hopping about and fluffing their wings in a most endearing fashion. Usually I try to oblige after laughing at their antics.

But never doubt it, these birds are fierce.

Soft, cuddly, adorable, and entertaining absolutely--and as fierce as all get out. These normally quiet and gossipy birds can turn deadly vicious at a moments notice--just threaten their nestlings to find out the hard way.

Have you ever seen a crow, falcon, owl, or even eagle soaring majestically in the sky whilst seeking its prey? Now picture the sparrow in its short, erratic flight.

I've seen all those majestic birds routed by sparrows. A pack of three or more is usually what it takes, but once that small band unites to drive the taloned terror away from their young, the larger bird has nothing left but to flee--if it can. And who hasn't experienced the sudden intimidation of a row of sparrows all turning the weighty gaze of their beady little eyes full upon you? If three or four can rout an eagle, what could an entire flock do to a mere groundwalking human? If you've had them divebomb you, you know that terror all too well.

Doughty and loyal warriors, these sparrows.

For some reason, though, they are widely seen as insignificant common. Nothing special, nothing remarkable--just a sparrow. Why?

Where the falcon, eagle, hawk, and many other birds have dwindled in number the sparrows actually thrive. The red-tailed hawk is a rarity, but sparrows are so numerous that a sighting isn't even worth mentioning.

Sparrows have what it takes.

They're wickedly fierce, ferocious and cunning in battle, but also cheerful, chattery, friendly, and adorable--proving yet again that "charisma is not just a dump stat." ;)

So yes, Sparrows. Lovely to chat with, laugh at, delight in, and observe at play and in battle. I hope you enjoy!