Which is larger: a mouse or a sparrow? - briefly
A sparrow generally exceeds a mouse in size, measuring about 16–18 cm in length and weighing 24–40 g, whereas a typical house mouse is 7–10 cm long and weighs 20–30 g.
Which is larger: a mouse or a sparrow? - in detail
When comparing a typical house mouse (Mus musculus) with a common house sparrow (Passer domesticus), size differences are evident in several dimensions.
The mouse measures roughly 7–10 cm in head‑body length, with a tail of similar length. Body mass ranges from 15 to 30 g. Shoulder height is about 3–4 cm. These dimensions define a compact, quadrupedal form.
The sparrow exhibits a body length of 14–16 cm, measured from beak to tail tip. Wing span extends 20–22 cm, and wing chord averages 7–8 cm. Mass typically falls between 24 and 40 g. Standing height, taken at the keel, is about 5–6 cm.
Key comparisons:
- Length: sparrow exceeds mouse by roughly double.
- Mass: sparrow’s upper range surpasses mouse’s upper range, though lower limits overlap.
- Volume: sparrow’s three‑dimensional body, including air‑filled cavities, occupies more space than the mouse’s dense torso.
- Wings: only the bird possesses functional wings, adding significant surface area unavailable to the mouse.
Overall, the avian species presents greater linear dimensions, higher mass, and larger occupied volume. Consequently, the sparrow is the larger of the two organisms.