Port Hedland residents are asked to keep a look out for, and report, any unusual birds, following the removal of five tree sparrows (Passer montanus) from the town.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity officers removed four sparrows from the harbour entrance foreshore area and one from inside the local shopping centre at the end of last year.
The birds most likely arrived on an overseas ship at one of the port facilities.
Tree sparrows have the potential to cause damage to cultivated grain and horticulture crops, spread disease and compete with native birds for food. The nesting, roosting and feeding behaviours of sparrows can foul buildings.
Department biosecurity officer Lara Martin said the department had undertaken extensive surveillance in Port Hedland supported by shire rangers, local supermarket staff, staff from ports and residents, with no further birds being detected.
“Tree sparrows are a declared pest bird not established in Western Australia, and if found are removed,” Ms Martin said.
“Community surveillance is a vital part of identifying and containing pests that have the potential to impact on our agricultural industries and the environment.
“The more people we have looking for pests, the quicker we can find them to limit their impact and spread.
“The assistance of the Port Hedland community has ensured the successful removal of the birds from the town before they had the opportunity to cause any significant damage and establish as a population.”
The tree sparrow has a chestnut crown and neck, a black ear patch on a white cheek, a black chin and throat and two white wing bars. Immature birds are paler, with less distinct markings.
They have a distinct hopping movement when moving along the ground foraging for food, which helps to identify them. They are slightly larger than the local finches and have similar wedge-shaped finch-like bills.
Sightings of tree sparrows or other unusual birds should to be reported to the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080.
More information on tree sparrows is available from department’s website.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Katrina Bowers, media liaison 9368 3937