“House Sparrow” population is increasing in India

What is the News?

House Sparrow population was on the decline in cities, for decades. But now, as per Nature Forever Society (NFS) president, due to the citizen-led movements across various states, their population has started increasing.

About House Sparrow:

• House Sparrow(Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It is found in most parts of the world.

Characteristics of House Sparrow:

• The male and female House Sparrow are easily distinguishable not in size but in colouration. The male is dark brown with a black bib, grey chest, and white cheeks. Whereas, the female is light brown throughout its body, with no black bib, crown, or white cheeks.
• The bird is known to stay close to human habitations. So it is among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities.

Habitat of House Sparrow:

• Firstly, the house sparrow is widespread across the world, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica, and countries like China and Japan. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa.
• Secondly, in India, House Sparrow is found throughout the country. It is found up to the Assam valley and lower parts of the Assam hills. In the eastern Himalayas, the house sparrow species is replaced by the Eurasian tree sparrow.

Protection:

• State Bird: House Sparrow is the State bird of Bihar and Delhi.
• World Sparrow Day: It is celebrated every year on March 20 to raise awareness about the bird.
• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Causes of Decline:

• The unfriendly architecture of our homes.
• The use of chemical fertilizers in crops.
• Noise pollution.
• Exhaust fumes from vehicles.

House Sparrow Conservation Initiatives:

• 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.
• In Visakhapatnam, a filmmaker in association with city-based NGO Green Climate has made a film on sparrow conservation. In that, they mentioned the need to save the house sparrow species. Further, they also mentioned the ways to create an ecosystem to make the bird thrive.

Source: The Hindu