Geraldton residents have been asked to help find two Eurasian Tree sparrows, after a report of the declared bird pest in the port city.
While a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity officer was able to confirm the bird species, he was unable to remove them.
Department invasive species manager Richard Watkins said the birds mostly likely arrived from Asia on board a visiting ship.
Mr Watkins said the public’s observations and reports were imperative to assist the department capture the exotic birds.
“Eurasian Tree sparrows look similar to finches but are slightly plumper and can grow to about 15 centimetres in length,” he said.
“They are brown or dark grey in colour, with a streaked back and a wedge-shaped beak.
“These birds are commonly attracted to areas where they can feed on spilt grain, such as bird feeders, aviaries, grain storage facilities and seed works.”
Eurasian Tree sparrows are a risk to Western Australian grain and horticulture crops and have the potential to spread diseases that could threaten native birdlife.
Any sightings of sparrows or other unusual birds in the area should be reported to the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or via its MyPestGuide Reporter app.
For more information about sparrows and other bird pests click here.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, media liaison
+61 (0)8 9368 3937