Generalized linear mixed model (GLIMMIX module in SAS 9.1; exponential error function; Type III Tests of Fixed Effects) showing the effect of independent model terms on House sparrow group sizes (n = 6067 groups) in 36 locations.

The effect of non-significant terms was estimated by adding them individually in to the final model. Minute of scan was nested within site and date and added as random factor into the model to control for the effect of repeated observations within a given site.a = Place: air, ground, hedge, tree, house and wires, foodb = Activity: fight, fly, forage, perchc = Temperature in degree Cd = Food spillage: locations without food spillage (i.e. maize, chicken food, grains, manure, hay), minor food spillage, medium degree of food spillage in several places, large degree of food spillage in the whole locatione = Disturbance occurred during sampling (i.e. passing by car, human)f = Number of different crops, animal foods stored at the siteg = Number of different stock in each site (i.e. horses, cows, sheep, pigs, chicken)h = Distance to next location in mI = Weather during the observation: foggy, strong wind or rain, normal weather (i.e. no fog, strong wind or rain).