World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day

Subject :Environment

Section: Species in news

Context: A citywide enumeration of the house sparrow population undertaken recently by the Travancore Nature History Society a few days ago recorded only nearly 130 birds.

More on the News:

• The house sparrow population in the Thiruvananthapuram city has recorded a significant reduction this year due to several unfavourable factors.
• The survey was taken in the run-up to the World Sparrow Day that was observed on Monday. Oppressive heat and scarcity of food materials in the traditional pockets of the city have contributed to the fall in population. The society had recorded as many as 326 sparrows last year.
• The house sparrow population in Nedumangad continued to remain stable for several years. This was attributed to the undisturbed ecosystem that is prevalent in the market vicinity having a steady supply of food and without construction activities.

House Sparrow:

• The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a small bird belonging to the family Passeridae. Distribution: The House Sparrow is a cosmopolitan bird found across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also found in North America, South America, and Australia, where it was introduced by humans.
• Physical characteristics: The House Sparrow is a small bird, about 14 to 16 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 20 to 25 cm. The male has a gray crown, black throat, and white cheeks, while the female has a brown crown and a buff-colored stripe behind the eye.
• Habitat: The House Sparrow is a common bird found in urban and rural areas, and is often seen around human habitation, such as houses, buildings, and parks.
• Diet: The House Sparrow is an omnivorous bird and feeds on a variety of food, including seeds, insects, and scraps of food from humans.
• Breeding: The House Sparrow breeds throughout the year and can lay up to 4 to 5 eggs at a time. The incubation period is about 11 to 14 days, and the chicks fledge after about 14 to 16 days.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern
  • The Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule IV
• Cultural significance: The House Sparrow has been an important part of human culture for centuries and is mentioned in many folktales, songs, and poems. House Sparrow is the State bird of Bihar and Delhi.
• Significance in agriculture: The House Sparrow is considered a pest in some agricultural areas due to its habit of feeding on crops such as wheat and rice.
• Threats: Despite its large population size, the House Sparrow has experienced declines in some areas, particularly in urban areas, due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other factors.
• Conservation steps: In Odisha, the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee started a campaign in 2007. They distributed earthen pot bird nests to homes in Odisha. This has led to an increase in the sparrow population.