Differences between Ibis and Sparrow

Ibis and Sparrow are two classes of birds that belong to the Threskiornithidae and Passeridae families respectively.

Ibis is a wading bird that has been in existence since ages – its fossils date back to over 60 million years. The bird is considered sacred in Egyptian culture. It is a quiet bird with spherical-shaped white body, long red legs, and a red, long, curved bill. Ibis consists of around 26 species of wading birds such as spoonbills.

Sparrows are one of the most commonly found birds in the world. They are petite birds with a round head and small beak that is shaped like a cone. Their plumage is either brown or grey with white streaks. The feather on their belly is usually white. The birds have a long and stiff tail. An interesting fact about Sparrows is that they have a bone in their tongue. As these are perching birds, they have clawed feet with three forward-pointing and one backward-pointing toe. Sparrows are songbirds that make chirping sounds. There are over 140 species of these birds in the world. They are generally classified as Old World species and New World species. Sparrows are mentioned in mythology and the Bible. Their earliest fossils, found in caves in Israel, are dated back to over 100,000 years.

Where are Ibis and Sparrow found?

Ibises are inhabited in all warm locations of the world. They do not exist in South Pacific islands and Antarctica alone. They are generally found near wetlands, like marshes, lagoons, ponds, and lakes at sea level. However, some of them also live in grasslands and forests of mountain regions.

Sparrows prefer thick forests, open fields, agricultural farms, and fringes of forests. However, a large population of Sparrows also live in the parks, gardens, and buildings of cities. The Old World species of Sparrows originally belong to Asia, Africa, and Europe. The New World species have been introduced in North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

What do Ibis and Sparrow eat?

Ibis is a carnivore. Its natural diet comprises of insects, grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans, beetles, worms, frogs, and small fish. However, the bird can get accustomed to eating anything. It can also consume plant matter, grains, and fruits.

Sparrows are omnivores. They largely eat seeds and grains like cereals, wheat, rice, oats, and corn. They also eat insects and worms. Occasionally the birds eat human food refuse.

Here are a few pointers about the eating patterns between Ibis and Sparrow

• Ibis do eat Fish while Sparrow may not eat Fish.
• Both Ibis and Sparrow eat Frogs.
• Both Ibis and Sparrow eat Lizards.
• Ibis do eat Snakes while Sparrow may not eat Snakes.
• Ibis do eat Turtles while Sparrow may not eat Turtles.
• Ibis do eat Squirrels while Sparrow may not eat Squirrels.
• Gophers are commonly eaten by Ibis while Sparrow do not eat Gophers.
• Baby Ducks are commonly eaten by Ibis while Sparrow do not eat Baby Ducks.
• Ibis do eat Mice while Sparrow may not eat Mice.

Size of Ibis and Sparrow?

When it comes to size, The average height of an Ibis is 1.8-2.5 feet. Its wingspan measures about 3.18 feet. The critically endangered Giant Ibis stands around 3.2-3.5 feet.. The size of Sparrows depends on the species. The average size is however 0.5-0.6 feet in length. Chestnut Sparrow is the smallest Sparrow with a length of 0.4 feet, while the Parrot-billed Sparrow is the largest with a length of 0.59 feet.

The male Ibis weighs heavier than the female ones. The average weight of the male is 3.7-5.5 pounds, while that of the female is 3.1-4.2 pounds. while The average weight of the Sparrow is 0.84 ounce. The weight of the Chestnut Sparrow is 0.5 ounce and that of the Parrot-billed Sparrow is 1.5 ounce.

Where do Ibis and Sparrow nest?

Ibises generally breed in big colonies, except for some species such as the Black Ibis. The nests are usually built on trees using sticks and leaves. However, in the absence of trees Ibises create their nests in bushes or on grasses on the ground. About two to five eggs are laid by an individual Ibis in a nesting season. The incubation lasts for around 21-23 days. The young ones, which are guarded and fed by both the male and female partners, fledge in 28-35 days.

Sparrows build their nests in holes and cavities of small trees, in shrubs, and buildings. They prefer their nests to be closer to the ground. The nests generally look spherical and measure eight to 10 inches in diameter. The female and male partners construct the nest using straw, twigs, roots, leaves, grass, paper, thread, wool, and feather. The eggs are completely white, or bluish white, or greenish white with brown spots. Both partners incubate the eggs. The eggs hatch in 10-14 days. The young ones that are fed by both parents fledge in about two weeks.

How long do Ibis and Sparrow live?

Ibises have an average lifespan of 16-27 years. The oldest living White Ibis was 16 years and four months old. It lived in Florida during 1956-1972.

Sparrows are known to live for four to seven years. Some species can even live up to 20 years. The House Sparrows live until 23 years in captivity.

Are Ibis or Sparrow migratory birds?

Ibis is both a resident and migratory bird. It is migratory in countries like Mangolia, Korea, Japan, and Laos. It has vast breeding colonies in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The bird has migrated to Australia due to drought and loss of habitat in other regions. Ibis is found in the USA, where it migrates from the north during winter.

Not all Sparrows are migratory. The ones from Canada, North America, northern parts of Europe, and east Asia migrate during winters. The House Sparrows typically do not migrate as they do not encounter harsh weather or scarcity of food in any time of the year. Among the migratory species, American Tree Sparrow migrates from North America and Canada to the USA, while the Savannah Sparrow travels from Alaska to the USA. In northern and central Europe, migration takes place among Eurasian Tree Sparrow that relocates to Africa. The Russet Sparrow is a species from Himalayas that spends its time in south-east Asia during winters.

Do Ibis and Sparrow fly in flocks?

A flock of Ibises is called congregation, wedge, or stand. Ibis is a convivial bird that travels, sleeps, hunts, and breeds in huge groups that most often also include other species of birds. Ibises especially form large colonies as a breeding season approaches. They also fly in groups through the typical V-formation.

A group of Sparrows is called a flock. The birds are highly sociable. They live in colonies of about 20 birds, which may even extend to about a 100. The birds are always found in groups, foraging, flying, and roosting together. Their nests are also built next to each other during the breeding season. Sparrows are also intelligent birds. They are known for cooperation and teamwork. The birds work together to find food, build nests, preen feathers, and remove lice and parasites from their skin. They chirp incessantly to let their group know about where they are. As Sparrows are tiny birds, living in large flocks also helps in intimidating the predator and also mobbing the predator if required.

Are Ibis or Sparrow protected?

Ibis is a protected bird across the world. Hunting, shooting, or attempting to kill the bird is an offence. The USA, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India, and France are some countries that are actively involved in the protection of some of the rarest and endangered species of Ibis.

Not all species of Sparrows are protected. For example, the House Sparrow is not protected in the USA. It has partial protection in the UK, where shooting it with a licence is allowed. The species is fully protected in Canada.

Are Ibis or Sparrow endangered?

The numbers of several Ibis species is on a downfall owing to loss of habitat, hunting, poaching, use of insecticides in agricultural fields, deforestation, and depletion of wet lands. Giant Ibis, Northern Bald Ibis, and Crested Ibis are extinct in several countries and listed as critically endangered in regions where they exist in a tiny population.

Sparrows are not endangered but their numbers are on a steep decline. Factors affecting the population of Sparrows are loss of habitat, scarcity of food, urbanization, radiation from mobile towers, pollution, use of pesticides in farmlands, and hunting.

Can Ibis and Sparrow fly?

Ibis is known as a wading bird. Two extinct species were not able to fly. However, the existing ones can all fly. Ibises stretch out their neck and legs in flight, while also performing flapping and sailing every now and then. They usually fly in groups by forming a V-shape to reduce wind resistance. The birds can keep up a speed of about 23 miles per hour. It has been observed that some species fly over 1,800 miles during migration. The Ibis chicks will generally be able to fly 28-56 days after birth.

Sparrows fly by taking off directly, flapping their wings, and folding their legs. Their average flying speed is 24-31 miles an hour. The altitude range they can fly at varies for different species. While most of them normally fly at around 500 feet, some fly at around 2,000 feet. During migration they fly 5,000-20,000 feet high and cover 15-600 miles in a day. Sparrows fly in flocks because they are tiny birds and flying in groups supports energy conservation. It will also help them spot and threaten predators. On the ground, Sparrows are commonly seen hopping. They jump forward and backward for scraping mud, leaves, or grass with their toes and search for food underneath.

Can Ibis and Sparrow swim?

Ibises rarely swim. They wade through water or occasionally glide by flapping their wings. The birds have been noticed swimming, but they are known to avoid deep waters.

Sparrows are not regular swimmers. However, they can swim fast to escape from danger. Some species like the House Sparrow can even swim under water. Sparrows regularly bathe in water, sometimes even in a puddle. They wiggle in water to loosen up the dirt on their feathers and to control body temperature.

Mating patterns among Ibis and Sparrow

At the onset of breeding season, male Ibises congregate in huge flocks at the colony to attract the females. They engage in several displays, bathing, and even fights. Once the male finds his mate, the partners participate in nest building and caring for the young ones. It is mostly the female that establishes the nesting site and constructs the nest with occasional assistance from the male.

Depending on the species, Sparrows start mating when they are five to nine months old. The birds mate in small colonies. During courtship, the male hops around the female with inflated chest, raised tail, and slouched wings. He also chirps and sings for her. The partners copulate until the female can lay eggs. They produce nearly four broods in a breeding season. The female lays one to eight eggs in a clutch. Both partners incubate the eggs and raise the chicks.

When is the mating season for Ibis and Sparrow ?

The mating season for Ibises is usually after the rains. Sometimes it is the end of winters. It could even be spring or summer in some regions.

The mating season for sparrows depends on geography. It can range from March to August. The courtship can begin as early as January.

Do Ibis and Sparrow mate for life?

Ibises are generally monogamous in each breeding season. Some of them even remain with the same partner for many years. At the same time, some males also mate with more than one female in the same breeding season.

Sparrows mate for life. They remain monogamous throughout their life and return to the same nesting territory every year. When one of the partners is lost or dies, the surviving partner finds another mate within a few days.

How do Ibis and Sparrow sleep?

Ibises are active during the day. They sleep in colonies in trees during the night – a practice that helps them to protect themselves from predator attacks.

Sparrows roost in large groups while perching on trees. They may even shelter inside tree holes and cavities. They draw together to stay warm on cold nights. Their usual sleeping posture is head tucked inside plumped up feathers.

Can Ibis and Sparrow be eaten?

Ibises are considered delectable in some parts of Africa even today. Although the bird is protected everywhere, some people cook it covertly. The practice comes from a tradition of eating wild meat cooked in spices.

Sparrows are widely consumed by people. They are a delicacy in French, Italian, Japanese, and German cuisines. As the law in most countries provide protection only to some species of Sparrows, obtaining the bird meat for food is not restricted.

Can you hunt Ibis or Sparrow?

Ibises were hunted in ancient times for their meat. However, modern strict laws do not allow hunting or shooting of the bird.

Sparrows are hunted for their meat. They are considered a pest by farmers, who kill them to save their crops. Hunting Sparrows is allowed in some countries, while killing them with a licence is permitted in few others.

Can you feed Ibis or Sparrow?

Feeding wild animals and birds in public places is not permitted in places like USA, Singapore, and Dubai. In captivity, Ibises can be fed with insects, little fish, frogs, earthworms, and snails. These birds are not picky eaters – so, you may also give them grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Sparrows can be fed with a mix of seeds, corn, millets, fruits, and insects.