How to Make a Sparrow Trap

The most abundant songbird in North America is the house sparrow, according to the North American Bluebird Society. The sparrow is known for its clever methods of building nests. Because sparrows are considered predators and pests to native songbirds in North America, they do not fall under federal guidelines---the birds and nests are legal to be moved and destroyed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large wire cage with two compartments
• Wire cutters
• Nesting boxes
• Knife or saw
• Wire
• Light wood or paper
• Bait sparrow to attract wild sparrows
• Food
• Water

1. Trap a large number of birds with a ground cage trap. Use a large cage that has two separate areas---one for live-bait sparrows and the second area for newly captured sparrows. There must be approximately 10 live sparrows in the cage, as well as food and water for a wild sparrow to be attracted. Ground traps work well when there is an initial overpopulation, as well as on a continuous basis.

2. Cut two to three openings out of the cage over the wild sparrow area using wire cutters. Using nesting boxes, cut out the bottom of the boxes with a saw or knife, and replace with light wood or paper that will not hold a bird's weight. The light wood can be placed on a hinge to flip open under pressure, and return to normal position when there is no bird in the cage.

3. Place the altered nesting boxes over each cut opening on the cage. The nesting boxes can be attached using wire. Each nesting box will have a trap door that will release once the sparrow enters the box. The bird will fall into the cage below.

4. Check cages daily to ensure proper food and water are available. Make sure native songbirds are not included with the trapped birds. Monitor for aggressive behaviors among the sparrows.

Tips & Warnings

• Captured sparrows should only be euthanized using humane methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Many methods must be properly learned. Live birds can occasionally be donated to animal rescues and wildlife rehabilitation centers for use as food for snake, foxes and other animals. Euthanizing sparrows is recommended, as releasing the birds into the wild simply continues the predator-like habits and destruction of songbirds.

References

• North American Bluebird Society
• Euthanizing House Sparrows

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[loisbarrow]

on 12/18/2009 photo shows a native white-crowned sparrow. please be sure you know the difference between our native, protected sparrows and non-native house sparrow. only house sparrows use martin and bluebird houses. native sparrows are often desirable feeder birds.