Sparrows, like many other Passerine species, can be divided into Old World (Eurasia) and New World (Americas) Families. The two Families are not particularly closely related, but bear a superficial resemblance to one another. Other birds commonly (and inaccurately) named "Sparrow" include the Hedge Sparrow (aka dunnock, an accentor) and the Java Sparrow (a finch)
The most recognisable of the forty-plus Sparrow species is the House Sparrow. He is the most widely distributed wild bird in the world, occuring in evey continent, except Antarctica. Native to Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia, he has been introduced - both purposely and accidentally - to South America, North America, Southern Africa, Australia and numerous islands, including New Zealand. He is a survivor - able to live in both hot and cold climes, and thrives in the urban environment. A pair were even found nesting underground, in a mine. His diet, traditionally, consists of seed, grain and plant matter, but he has happily adapted to scavenging from human food waste as well.
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