Sparrows Population by Species 2024

Sparrows, small and resilient birds, are among the most widespread and recognizable avian species across the globe. With an estimated global population of approximately 1.4 billion, these birds are found in diverse habitats ranging from urban environments to rural landscapes. Sparrows belong to the family Passeridae, which encompasses around 50 different species. Despite their abundance, determining the exact population of each sparrow species presents significant challenges due to factors like their vast distribution, seasonal migrations, and similarities between species that make identification difficult. Understanding sparrow populations is crucial as it provides insights into biodiversity, ecological health, and the impacts of environmental changes on avian species.

Disclaimer: The data regarding sparrow populations is derived from various studies, observations, and estimates conducted by ornithologists and bird conservation organizations. While these figures offer a general understanding of sparrow populations, they are subject to variations due to the dynamic nature of bird populations, differences in data collection methodologies, and the inherent difficulty in surveying small, mobile species like sparrows. Therefore, the figures presented should be considered as estimates rather than exact counts.

Top 10 Most Populated Sparrow Species:
  • House Sparrow: 500 – 1,500 million
  • Eurasian Tree Sparrow: 200 – 300 million
  • Chipping Sparrow: 200 – 300 million
  • Song Sparrow: 200 – 300 million
  • Northern Grey-headed Sparrow: 20 – 50 million
  • Southern Grey-headed Sparrow: 20 – 50 million
  • Spanish Sparrow: 10 – 20 million
  • Italian Sparrow: 10 – 20 million
  • Swainson’s Sparrow: 10 – 20 million
  • Cape Sparrow: 10 – 20 million

The House Sparrow tops the list with an estimated population ranging from 500 to 1,500 million, making it one of the most common and adaptable bird species globally. Its ability to thrive in urban environments and its close association with human habitats contribute to its large numbers. Following closely are the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and Song Sparrow, each with populations estimated between 200 and 300 million. These species are also widely distributed, with habitats that span various continents, including Asia, Europe, and North America.

The remaining species in the top ten list, such as the Northern and Southern Grey-headed Sparrows, Spanish Sparrow, and Cape Sparrow, have smaller but still significant populations. These species are often found in more localized regions, primarily in Africa and parts of Europe. Despite their smaller numbers compared to the House Sparrow, they play crucial roles in their respective ecosystems, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance.

Sparrows Population by Species (Full List)
wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Species Scientific Name Estimated Population
1 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM House Sparrow Passer domesticus 500 million - 1.5 billion
2 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 200 million - 300 million
3 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis 10 million - 20 million
4 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Italian Sparrow Passer italiae 10 million - 20 million
5 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Sudan Golden Sparrow Passer luteus Unknown
6 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Desert Sparrow Passer simplex Unknown
7 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus Unknown
8 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Iago Sparrow Passer iagoensis 1 million - 2 million
9 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Somali Sparrow Passer castanopterus Unknown
10 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Saxaul Sparrow Passer ammodendri Unknown
11 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Swahili Sparrow Passer suahelicus Unknown
12 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Kordofan Sparrow Passer cordofanicus Unknown
13 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus 20 million - 50 million
14 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus 20 million - 50 million
15 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Swainson's Sparrow Passer swainsonii 10 million - 20 million
16 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Parrot-billed Sparrow Passer gongonensis Unknown
17 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis Unknown
18 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Gymnoris xanthocollis Unknown
19 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Yellow-spotted Petronia Gymnoris pyrgita Unknown
20 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Bush Petronia Gymnoris dentata Unknown
21 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus 10 million - 20 million
22 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Great Sparrow Passer motitensis 5 million - 10 million
23 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis 500,000 - 1 million
24 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM House Bunting Emberiza sahari Unknown
25 Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Faasi 18/08/2024 08:38 PM Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi Unknown
Species Scientific Name Estimated Population
FAQs
  • How many sparrows are there in the world?
    • There are approximately 730 million sparrows globally across various species.
  • Which sparrow species has the largest population?
    • The House Sparrow has the largest population, estimated between 500 and 1,500 million.
  • How many types of sparrows are there?
    • There are around 50 different species of sparrows worldwide.

Learn more:

For detailed information and sources on sparrow populations and species, visit BirdLife International and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.