If you want to continue feeding other birds without attracting sparrows, use nyjer, safflower seeds, suet, nectar, or fruit and nut mixes. The specific foods sparrows like can vary depending on where you live. Watch the birds that come to your feeder and adjust as necessary. [3] X Research source
If you’ve already spent money on bird feeders and don’t want to get rid of them, just cut the perches shorter than 5⁄8 inch (1. 6 cm)—too short for sparrows. [5] X Research source
Sparrows really like cracked corn—it might be their favorite. They also enjoy wheat, oats, millet, and bread scraps. Make sure your food scraps are cleaned up and locked away in secure trashcans, except for what you put in the sparrow feeder. [7] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Sparrows prefer dust baths to water baths anyway, so it’s also a good idea to clean up any dusty or gravel areas that they might find attractive. [9] X Trustworthy Source The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth’s biological diversity through research and education about birds Go to source
If you leave your birdhouses or nesting boxes out year-round, plug up the entrances until the migrating birds return in the spring. If you have multiple birdhouses or nesting boxes, set them up 5 to 15 feet (1. 5 to 4. 6 m) apart so if a sparrow claims one of them they’ll leave the rest alone. Attaching sparrow spookers to the roof of a birdhouse also keeps sparrows out without deterring other birds. [11] X Research source
You usually only have to do this for a day or two for the sparrows to get the message (or not). If they completely ignore the calls, just scrap this and move on to something else.
The netting also protects your gardens and flower beds generally from other birds and animals that might destroy them.
You can also install slanted metal, wood, or plexiglass at a 45-degree angle over ledges to keep sparrows from nesting or roosting there. Sparrows nest from March to September, so take care of this in the fall or early winter. [15] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source Birds can peck through mesh to get into your attic. Check the mesh before nesting season begins in March to make sure it’s still intact.
Bird spikes are likely to deter other birds from roosting in those areas as well. But your songbirds will still come back to visit provided you have plenty of bird-friendly spots for them around your yard.
Try to move your owl decoy to a different location every few days or so—if it never goes anywhere, the sparrows will figure out that it isn’t real and ignore it. An owl decoy might deter other birds from nesting under the eaves as well. At the same time, it usually won’t bother the birds that visit your yard, so you can still enjoy your songbirds in peace.
Before you start removing nesting materials, make sure the nest belongs to a sparrow, not a protected migratory species. Sparrow nests are typically untidy, but some other birds build similar-looking nests. [19] X Research source Some birding enthusiasts have reported acts of revenge from sparrows after their nests were destroyed, so keep that in mind. [20] X Research source
Since sparrows aren’t migratory birds, they aren’t protected in North America. On top of that, they’re invasive species—they’re pests, and pest control technicians will know how to handle them. You might also look up a local birdwatchers’ group. There are plenty of enthusiasts who have experience trapping and moving sparrows and might be willing to work with you.
