Sparrow

 

The common house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a small, adaptable bird that has lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Despite its historical abundance in our childhood, house sparrow populations have since significantly declined. 

Possible reasons for the decline in sparrow population include:

• Predation and Competition: Increased numbers of predators like house cats and competition from other bird species, such as pigeons and starlings, have put significant pressure on sparrow populations.
• Changes in Human Diet: A shift to packaged and processed foods means fewer suitable food scraps, such as grains for sparrows in urban areas.
• Loss of Nesting Sites: Modern concrete homes, unlike older structures, lack wooden eaves for sparrows to nest in.
• Decline in Insects: Young sparrows rely on insects for protein, but loss of green spaces and increased pesticide use have reduced their food supply.

Here’s what you can do to rehabilitate sparrows

• Install nest boxes designed for sparrows. They prefer small, enclosed spaces.
• Set up bird feeders with seeds like millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds - make sure it is safe from cats and rodents.
• Install a small birdbath or shallow dish of water can help sparrows drink and bathe and remember to change the water regularly to keep it clean and safe.
• Avoid using chemical pesticides that kill the insects sparrows need to feed their chicks.
• Plant seed-bearing flowers like dandelions, sunflowers, grasses like crabgrass and foxtail grass - let them go to seed.

Artwork inspired by World Sparrow Day 2025. Watercolor painting on 9"x12" 300g 100% cotton paper