| Description |
1 online resource (xi, 547 pages) : illustrations, maps |
| Contents |
1. Taxonomy and distribution -- The genus Passer -- The origin of P. domesticus -- Passer domesticus -- Distribution of the house sparrow -- Range expansion in the house sparrow -- 2. Evolution and genetics -- Professor Bumpus and his sparrows -- Geographic variation in introduced house sparrows -- Natural selection in introduced sparrows -- Genetics of the house sparrow -- 3. Annual cycle -- The gonadal cycle -- Circadian rhythmicity -- 4. Breeding biology and reproductive strategy -- Age at first reproduction -- Mating system -- Timing of breeding -- Nest sites and nests -- Egg laying and clutch size -- Egg size and composition -- Incubation and hatching -- Nestling growth and survival -- Number of broods and cessation of breeding -- Reproductive lifespan -- Captive breeding |
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5. Plumages and molt -- Plumage description -- Pterylosis -- Molt -- Ptilochronomogy -- Plumage maintenance -- Incubation patch -- Badge size in males -- 6. Foraging behavior and food -- Foraging strategy of the house sparrow -- Diet of the house sparrow -- 7. Social behavior and vocalizations -- Vocalizations -- Displays -- Communal roosting -- 8. Population dynamics and movements -- Decline in house sparrow numbers -- Predation -- Parasitism and disease -- Interspecific competition -- Changes in agricultural practices -- Survival rates -- The sex ratio conundrum -- Movements -- Where have all the sparrows gone? -- 9. Anatomy and physiology -- Integumentary system -- Skeletal system -- Muscular system -- Nervous system -- Endocrine system -- Circulatory system -- Respiratory system -- Digestive system -- Excretory system -- Reproductive system -- body mass and composition -- 10. Human commensalism and pest management -- Obligate commensal? -- Pest status -- Pest management -- Positive impacts of sparrows -- Sociology of sparrows -- Appendix : Parasitic and disease organisms of the house sparrow -- Literature cited -- Index |
| Summary |
Is the house sparrow a contemporary 'canary in the mine'? Other topics of interest include the reproductive and flock-foraging strategies of sparrows, and sexual selection and the function of the male badge in the species. This book also explores the role of the house sparrow in disease transmission to humans and their domesticated animals |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 455-537) and index |
| Notes |
Print version record |
| Subject |
House sparrow.
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SCIENCE -- Life Sciences -- Zoology -- Ornithology.
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NATURE -- Birdwatching Guides.
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NATURE -- Animals -- Birds.
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House sparrow
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| ISBN |
1423799925 |
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9781423799924 |
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019530411X |
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9780195304114 |
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