The house sparrow has short, strong beaks that enable it to crack seeds and catch insects, and thin legs with gripping toes that allow it to walk on the ground and perch on branches; adult plumage is gray on the head, with a large black patch on the throat, a brown back with black stripes, and a light belly. The young have yellow corners of the mouth which assist parents in precisely placing food, and are covered in sparse down feathers during the first few days. The species’ wings are short and rounded, facilitating fast flight over short distances.