Sparrows : Alarming decline in India , what could be the reasons ?

 

Sparrows are small, plump, brown-grey birds with short tails and strong, stubby beaks, belonging to the family Passeridae. Known for their adaptability, sparrows are often found near human habitats and are widespread across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. The most common species, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), is highly social and often seen in flocks, chirping and scavenging for food in gardens, farms, and cities.  These birds primarily feed on grains, seeds, and small insects, playing an essential role in controlling insect populations and aiding in the natural balance of ecosystems. 

However in recent years, the decline of sparrows in India, especially the common house sparrow, has been widely observed and is attributed to a combination of environmental and human-related factors:

1. Urbanization and Habitat Loss

As cities grow, natural habitats shrink. New construction often lacks green spaces, gardens, and bushes, which are essential for sparrows to forage, nest, and breed.

Traditional houses had niches and ventilated spaces that sparrows used for nesting, but modern construction is designed to be sealed, reducing available nesting sites.

2. Loss of Food Sources

Sparrows rely on grains, seeds, and small insects, particularly during the breeding season to feed their young. In urban areas, their food sources are decreasing due to:

The spread of concrete spaces, which reduce grassy areas where insects and seeds are found.

A decline in backyard gardening, which limits food diversity.

Reduction in traditional grain stores and open markets where food sources were once abundant.

3. Increased Use of Pesticides

The widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture has significantly reduced the population of insects. Sparrows feed on insects, especially during nesting, as they need a high-protein diet for their chicks. The scarcity of insects directly affects the survival and breeding of sparrows.

4. Electromagnetic Radiation from Cell Towers

Studies have suggested that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phone towers can affect the orientation and breeding patterns of birds, including sparrows. Although this remains a debated topic, some researchers believe that the proliferation of mobile towers might have disrupted sparrow populations.

5. Air Pollution

Air pollution has been linked to respiratory and other health issues in birds. In urban areas, pollution levels have escalated due to vehicular emissions and industrial activity, creating an inhospitable environment for sparrows and other small birds.

6. Competition with Other Species

Sparrows face competition for food and space from other bird species like pigeons, mynas, and crows, which are often more adaptable to urban settings. This competitive pressure can make it difficult for sparrows to thrive.

7. Changes in Food Consumption Patterns

With shifts in lifestyle, people are less likely to scatter grains or crumbs outside, which sparrows once relied on as a food source. Traditional practices, like drying grain in the open, which inadvertently fed birds, have also declined.

8. Changing Agricultural Practices

Traditional farming was more conducive to sparrow populations. However, with modern farming techniques—such as large monocultures, mechanized equipment, and rapid crop cycles—sparrows find it harder to adapt, especially when these practices reduce the diversity of plants and insects they depend on.

Conservation Efforts

Awareness of the sparrow's plight has led to conservation efforts, including the establishment of World Sparrow Day on March 20 to promote awareness. Some initiatives aim to install nesting boxes and encourage the planting of native shrubs and trees to support their population recovery.

Addressing the decline of sparrows requires a combination of urban planning, reduced pesticide usage, and a revival of traditional practices that support biodiversity in both urban and rural landscapes.