Sparrows are small songbirds found throughout most of the world. As small birds that often feed and rest in the open, sparrows can fall victim to a variety of predatory birds. The specific predators that target sparrows depends on where the sparrows live and the other avian species native to that area. However, there are some generalist predatory birds that will prey on sparrows across most of their range.
Birds of Prey
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are the most frequent predators of sparrows. Their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and curved beaks make them well-equipped for catching and killing small bird prey. Sparrows make up a regular part of the diet for many raptor species.
Falcons
Falcons are swift, agile hunters that specialize in catching birds on the wing. Several falcon species prey regularly on sparrows, including:
- American Kestrel – The smallest North American falcon. Kestrels hover above fields to spot sparrows and other small prey.
- Merlin – An aggressive falcon that relies on sparrows and other songbirds for most of its diet.
- Peregrine Falcon – The fastest animal on earth. Feral pigeons are their preferred prey, but they will also take sparrows.
- Eurasian Hobby – An Old World species that’s a major predator of sparrows across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Accipiters
Accipiters are forest-dwelling hawks with short, rounded wings and long tails that give them superb maneuverability in dense habitat. They use this agility to chase and capture sparrows and other small birds.
- Sharp-shinned Hawk – Small accipiters that specialize in hunting sparrow-sized prey.
- Cooper’s Hawk – Larger accipiters that regularly take sparrows and other backyard birds.
- Northern Goshawk – The largest accipiter. Sparrows are less preferred prey but still frequently taken.
Buteos
Soaring hawks of open country. Some buteos opportunistically prey on sparrows, especially juveniles and migrating birds.
- Red-tailed Hawk – The most widespread North American buteo. Hunts sparrows in open areas like grasslands and agricultural fields.
- Rough-legged Hawk – Feeds on sparrows during the winter and on their arctic breeding grounds.
True Hawks
True hawks differ from buteos in their more extensive use of flapping flight rather than soaring. Some regularly consume sparrows, including:
- Eurasian Sparrowhawk – A common Old World Accipiter that relies on sparrows and other small birds.
- Northern Harrier – Hunts sparrows in open marshes and grasslands.
- Harris’s Hawk – Hunts sparrows cooperatively in small groups in the desert southwest.
- African Harrier-Hawk – An important sparrow predator in sub-Saharan Africa.
Eagles
Large, powerful raptors that occasionally prey on sparrows despite usually targeting larger quarry. Juveniles and migrating sparrows are particularly vulnerable.
- Golden Eagle
- Bald Eagle
- Booted Eagle
- African Hawk-Eagle
Owls
Nocturnal hunters that use stealth and their specialized hearing to locate and capture sparrows at night.
- Eastern Screech Owl
- Great Horned Owl
- Snowy Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Short-eared Owl
Corvids
Corvids are songbirds like crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. They are highly intelligent and opportunistic predators. While they mainly eat insects, fruits, and seeds, they will readily prey on eggs, nestlings, fledglings, and even adult sparrows.
Crows and Ravens
- American Crow
- Northwestern Crow
- Fish Crow
- Common Raven
Jays
- Blue Jay
- Steller’s Jay
- Gray Jay
- Green Jay
- Eurasian Jay
Magpies
- Black-billed Magpie
- Eurasian Magpie
- Yellow-billed Magpie
Other Predatory Songbirds
While corvids are the main predatory songbirds, several other perching bird species will include sparrows in their diet.
Shrikes
Shrikes are predatory songbirds that impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire. Sparrows are a frequent target.
- Northern Shrike
- Loggerhead Shrike
- Red-backed Shrike
- Brown Shrike
- Southern Grey Shrike
Starlings
European Starlings are aggressive birds that compete with and prey on native species like sparrows.
Blackbirds
The two most predatory blackbird species are:
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Brewer’s Blackbird
Mammals
Some mammalian predators will also opportunistically prey on sparrows.
Cats
Domestic and feral cats kill billions of wild birds each year, including many sparrows.
Rats
Rats will eat eggs, nestlings, and roosting adult sparrows.
- Brown Rat
- Black Rat
Squirrels
Tree squirrels raid nests for eggs and young.
- Eastern Gray Squirrel
- Red Squirrel
Raccoons
Raccoons use their dexterous paws to break into nests and remove eggs, chicks, and incubating adults.
Opossums
Like raccoons, opossums steal eggs and young sparrows from nests.
Foxes
Foxes will eat any small birds they can catch, including sparrows.
- Red Fox
- Arctic Fox
Weasels
Agile weasels can access sparrow nests and take the contents.
- Least Weasel
- Long-tailed Weasel
Minks
Minks are semi-aquatic relatives of weasels and just as predatory towards sparrows.
Reptiles and Amphibians
A few reptile and amphibian species will prey on sparrows when given the opportunity.
Snakes
Snakes raid nests and capture adult sparrows on the ground.
- Ratsnakes
- Racers
- Gopher snakes
- King snakes
Lizards
Large lizards take eggs and nestlings.
- Monitor lizards
- Tegus
Frogs and Toads
A few larger frog and toad species will eat nestling sparrows.
Conclusion
Sparrows face predation from a wide array of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The most significant avian predators are raptors like falcons, accipiters, buteos, true hawks, eagles, and owls. Corvids, including crows, ravens, jays, and magpies, are also major predators. Among mammals, cats are the greatest threat to sparrow populations. Other mammalian predators include rats, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, foxes, weasels, and minks. Reptilian predators include snakes and large lizards, while some bigger frogs and toads take nestlings. This broad range of predators reflects the vulnerability of small birds like sparrows across many different habitats and conditions.