[NorthMountain]

The bird in question was an English Sparrow, an invasive and pestiferous species brought here during the colonial period. Feral cats are probably more effective at reducing their population than marksmen, but cats make no distinction among species. If I could find a way to train (hah!) my outdoor cats to only attack english sparrows and starlings, I would.

[Chainmail]

I hate to admit this, but when I was a kid my favorite pet was an English Sparrow. I found it as a nestling and it just sort of bonded to me and would ride on the handlebars of my bicycle. They are quite smart and affectionate - more so that many other animals.

There, I said it - there go my ferocious former Marine creds once and for all!