veréb

Veréb, in Hungarian, refers to sparrows, a group of small passerine birds in the family Passeridae. In common usage it often denotes the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), one of the most widespread and familiar birds in the world. The genus Passer includes several related species, but the house sparrow is by far the best known in urban and agricultural environments.

Description and diet: Adult house sparrows typically measure about 14–16 cm in length. Males have a gray crown, a black throat bib, white cheeks, and a brown back with darker streaks, while females and juveniles are generally brown and streaked with paler underparts. They feed primarily on seeds and grains, supplemented by insects, especially during the breeding season, and they readily exploit human-provided food sources in cities and farms.

Habitat and behavior: Veréb is highly adaptable, thriving in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. They commonly nest in cavities in buildings, eaves, or nest boxes, with both sexes participating in nest building and defense. They are social birds, often forming flocks outside the breeding season and engaging in a variety of vocalizations described as chirps and cheeps.

Reproduction: Breeding typically occurs in spring and summer. Clutch size is usually 4–5 eggs. Incubation lasts about 11–14 days, and the fledging period is roughly two weeks, with both parents feeding the young.

Distribution and status: The house sparrow is native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa and has been introduced globally, including the Americas and Australia. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large, widespread population, though local declines can occur where urban habitats change or food availability decreases.