Where Are The Sparrows?

Alok k. Shrivastava,Ex- Chief Secretary, Sikkim

A few birds and animals—such as dogs, cats, parrots, rabbits, sparrows, and pigeons—are always found in human habitats across all climatic zones, except in fully snow-covered landmasses and deserts.

The close relationship between these creatures and humans was once taken for granted. Their presence depended on the love and care we provided. When elders in the family cared for them, children naturally imbibed good values and learned to show affection toward these useful, caring, and loyal animals.

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one such bird. Once found all over the world, these small birds were a common sight in orchards, courtyards, and markets, where they could find regular food. Male sparrows have reddish feathers on their backs, while females are brown and striped. Their average lifespan is three to five years, but some can live up to ten years or more.

Sparrows play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and are an essential part of the food chain. Their soothing chirping was once heard everywhere. Until a few years ago, even though homes no longer had thatched roofs or courtyards, sparrows still flocked to balconies and terraces. However, the advent of mobile towers and television antennas, combined with rapid urbanization, air pollution, and the excessive use of chemical pesticides, has drastically reduced their numbers.

Each time I raise this issue and make a fervent appeal, friends and relatives respond, "Maybe in your locality, but in ours, they seem to have disappeared." If this trend continues, these tiny, affectionate, and harmless birds—measuring just 16 centimeters, with their characteristic light brown and grey plumage—may become extinct.

To highlight the consistent decline in their population and to raise awareness about their protection and conservation, World Sparrow Day is observed globally on March 20. This campaign has now spread to over 50 countries. In India, it has been observed since 2010, initiated by the Nature Forever Society of India and the Eco-Sys Action Foundation of France. The movement gained momentum in Delhi under the leadership of the late Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

It has been observed that sparrow numbers have increased slightly due to these conservation efforts. Sparrows can be attracted in greater numbers by creating nests from everyday items and placing them at a minimum height of ten feet in a safe corner of a building. Additionally, providing their preferred food—seeds of grains, wild grass, weeds, and insects—can encourage their return. Simultaneously, reducing the use of pesticides and insecticides is crucial. Unlike pigeons, sparrows do not make a place dirty or contribute to the spread of diseases. Unfortunately, major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and rapidly growing urban centers like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and NOIDA are becoming increasingly uninhabitable for them.

On an individual level, conservation initiatives have made a difference. For instance, Rakesh Khatri of Delhi has built 36,000 nests for sparrows, while Arjun Singh of Rohtas, Bihar, cares for 8,000 sparrows in his home. These birds have provided him with companionship after the loss of his wife.

In China, when sparrows were mistakenly believed to threaten grain production, millions were slaughtered. However, the drastic reduction in their numbers led to ecological imbalance, necessitating their reintroduction through imports from Russia.

Friends, by taking greater care and supporting conservation efforts, we can revive our age-old bond with sparrows and provide a meaningful learning experience for younger generations—otherwise increasingly glued to laptops, cell phones, and the internet.

Conclusion

Sparrows Need Love, Attention, and a Healthy Habitat.