Peculiarities of Biology and Ecology of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)) and Tree Sparrow (P. montanus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in Syktyvkar (Komi Republic, Russia)

Abstract

The results of a study of some aspects of the biology of the House Sparrow and Tree Sparrow in the conditions of the city of Syktyvkar are presented. In the period from January to June 2021, on the territory of the city (S = 11.05 km²), as a result of calculating the absolute number, 1127 House Sparrows were registered with a population density of 101,9 ind./km², 130 Tree Sparrows with a population density of 11.5 specimens/km². The nature of the distribution of birds is uneven. The House Sparrow inhabits the outskirts of the city most of all, which is due to a combination of available food sources, a large number of shelters, nesting and overnight places. The Tree Sparrow is not numerous and, as a less synanthropized species, prefers green areas of the central part of the city. The nesting period of Sparrows in the conditions of the city of Syktyvkar begins at the end of May, pairs formed 61,6% of birds from the total number of individuals. In winter, the diet of House and Tree Sparrows depends on anthropogenic feed - birds feed on feeders and food waste. In spring, plant food predominates, with the beginning of nesting - animal food.