Why House Sparrows Are Legal to Kill in Michigan

I've been in an all-out battle with these little jerks for weeks.

They keep trying to build nests in the corners of my gazebo, and no matter how many times I knock them down, they're back the next day. I even stuffed rags into the openings to keep them out. They pulled every one of them out, flew them about 35 feet across the yard, and dropped them right in front of my garage. At this point, I'm convinced they're just messing with me.

Once house sparrows find what they think is a good nesting spot, they're incredibly persistent. That's why they keep coming back, even after you've removed the nest multiple times.

As it turns out, these are house sparrows, one of the few birds in Michigan that isn't protected by law.

Why Are House Sparrows a Problem in Michigan?

House sparrows aren't native to North America. They're an invasive species known for taking over birdhouses, driving out bluebirds, chickadees, wrens, and other native birds. Wildlife experts say they'll even destroy eggs and kill nestlings to claim a nesting spot. Not to mention drive homeowners like me absolutely nuts.

Can You Legally Kill House Sparrows in Michigan?

Unlike most birds you'll see at your feeder, house sparrows aren't protected under federal or Michigan law because they're invasive. That means they can legally be removed from your property. Just make absolutely sure you've identified the bird correctly, since many native sparrows look similar and are protected.

What Do House Sparrows Look Like?

Male house sparrows have gray heads, white cheeks, and a black patch under their beak. Females are plain tan and brown. They're the little birds you almost always see hanging around restaurants, parking lots, and backyard bird feeders.

Now that I know these are the birds I've been battling in my gazebo, their nonstop determination finally makes sense.

50 Birds Around Michigan You Know But Don't Know

Michigan is known for its wildlife, especially its many unique birds. However, you might not know the name of the bird you're looking at. List of birds from Animal Spot and Where's Wildlife.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

The Birds That Migrate To and From Michigan

Michigan is notable for its four seasons, and if you don't like the cold, neither do its animals. That means that many birds go south for the winter and return in large numbers during the spring. These are the most common ones you'll start seeing again as the weather goes from warm to cold, and vice versa. Information comes from the State of Michigan and Birdcast.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill