Common sparrows, also known as house sparrows, are small birds up to about 14 centimeters long. They differ slightly in appearance depending on the sex. Males have a gray belly and a “cap” on their heads in the same color, as well as brown wings and back, while females are more brownish-cream. Sparrows live where humans live, but there are definitely fewer of them now than a few or a dozen years ago. Why?
Why have sparrows disappeared? There are even a few dozen fewer of them
Sparrows, like pigeons, used to be found everywhere, as they lived in large numbers in both villages and . Today, unfortunately, they are a relatively rare sight. It is estimated that their numbers in Europe have fallen by a quarter of a billion in 40 years. As it turns out, two factors are to blame for this state of affairs, not least of which is the influence of humans. What exactly are we talking about?
Why has the sparrow population declined? Experts point to two reasons
As we can read on the website domekiogrodek.pl, ornithologists point to two reasons why the sparrow population has decreased significantly. These are:
- civilization
- okay.
In the past, sparrows could easily build nests in the cracks of blocks of flats, thanks to which there was no shortage of nesting places for them. Unfortunately, the insulation and sealing of buildings has caused them to lose comfortable and safe places to build their “home”. It is worth noting that new trends in architecture, which are largely based on simple shapes, glass and metal, also do not make the task easier for birds.
Why has the sparrow population declined? Why has the sparrow population decreased? Photo: Mieczysław Michalak / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
How to help sparrows? Make the necessary changes
Not only fashion in construction, but also in gardening has significantly influenced the fate of sparrows. While once there was no shortage of dense thickets and bushes where they could build nests, today perfectly trimmed lawns and arborvitaes reign supreme. The omnipresent minimalism has caused a lack of space for them, as well as food, which they obtained mainly in meadows. Tightly closed gazebos do not make things easier either. In addition, sparrows are chased away by larger birds such as magpies and crows. So if you want to invite them to your garden or balcony, make sure they have shelter, i.e.:
- plant plants that will benefit them,
- hang nesting boxes.
And in addition, remember to feed them additionally in the winter, including groats, oats, sunflower seeds. This will be useful not only for them, but also for other, smaller birds that have found themselves in a similar situation. According to data from 2021, there were 7 million breeding pairs of sparrows in Poland. If you’d like, please vote in our poll below.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
