A TEAM of scientists will undertake unique research in Toowoomba this week to investigate the unusual adaptive ability of sparrows.

The group from Sydney's Macquarie University will track and record data on the house sparrow to understand its ability to thrive in a variety of different habitats.

Researcher Dr Monica Awasthy said the evolution of sparrows in Australia since their introduction to the country in the 1860s had interested the scientific community for some time.

"Australia's harsh climate is in stark contrast to the sparrow's native England," Dr Awasthy said.

"This study will have important implications for our understanding of how our native birds will cope with climate change."

In each location, the team will frequent local stock feed stores, stables, racetracks and residents' backyards to hunt for the little birds.

The team will record population and genetics data on each bird they catch before releasing them back into the wild.

"So far they have not been too difficult to find, and we catch on average 50 birds in each town we visit," Dr Awasthy said.

The Macquarie University group will also visit Longreach, Roma, Charleville, Mt Isa and Armidale as part of its research.