Posted by Liz Lowney on January 13, 2006

Q: One day,several months ago, a sparrow appeared at the living room window of my friends home. It seems as if it is looking in the window at her and it also pecks at the window. As she moves to the kitchen, it then appears at the kitchen window, also pecking. The other morning it was pecking on her bedroom window, upstairs, which woke her up. She is sure it is the same bird she has been seeing everyday for months. The bird does not fly away as she approaches the window. It is not even scared off by the dog. What do you think about this? It follows her from room to room on just about a daily basis. Thanks for your time.

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Wisconsin

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Your sparrow's behavior is quite normal, it's just that it's directed at an "abnormal" recipient - itself! Your sparrow has established your house and/or the area around it as its own territory. House Sparrows begin setting up their nesting territories very early and this is what is happening. So, you sparrow is determined to keep all other male sparrows away. Unfortunately, it sees its reflection in your windows and thinks another male is on its territory. It is only trying to chase the other bird away.

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This is a rather common occurance at homes and it's not easy to stop them from doing this. Some people have even thought the bird was trying to get into their home and were upset but you have nothing to fear. Anyway, not much you can do unless you can reduce or eliminate the reflective quality of your windows. Thanks for sharing an interesting question.

John Wiessinger ( January 13, 2006)