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World Sparrow Day!

HISTORY AND MEANING OF WORLD SPARROW DAY:

Every year on March 20th, World Sparrow Day is marked in an effort to increase public awareness and protect house sparrows. In 2010, the inaugural World Sparrow Day was held. The Eco-Sys Action Fund in France and the Nature Forever Organization of India developed the concept for World Sparrow Day. The purpose of setting aside a day to honour the house sparrow was to raise awareness of its need for protection.

As part of its efforts to spread awareness of World Sparrow Day, the Nature Forever Organization has also created a special website. This website includes a sizable collection of pictures and details about many sparrow species from around the globe.


The purpose of the day is to increase public awareness of the sparrow's condition, which is imminent extinction. Also, the goal of World Sparrow Day is to unite those who are passionate about and admirers of sparrows. Our backyards frequently featured house sparrows, which were simple to spot. Finding house sparrows in the city has gotten harder recently due to our loss of connection to nature and biodiversity.


World Sparrow Day serves as a platform to highlight the significance of sparrow conservation and urban biodiversity in addition to honouring the occasion for a single day.


COUNTRIES RICH IN SPARROWS AND COUNTRIES WITH THE LEAST NUMBER OF SPARROWS:



According to a recent estimate, there are at least 50 billion distinct wild birds in the world.

One billion of these are house sparrows alone.

Originating in the Middle East, the house sparrow eventually spread throughout most of Eurasia and parts of North Africa as agriculture did. It has spread throughout most of the world since the middle of the 19th century, mostly as a result of intentional introductions but also as a result of the natural and shipborne distribution. The majority of North America (including Bermuda), Central America, southern South America, southern Africa, a portion of West Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and several islands around the world are all included in its introduced range.


During the 1850s, it significantly expanded its range in northern Eurasia, and it continued to do so as evidenced by its colonisation of Iceland and Rishiri Island, Japan, circa 1990. Its extensive range makes it the wild bird with the greatest global distribution.


According to IUCN estimates, there are about 1.4 billion wild birds worldwide, second only to the red-billed quelea in terms of population size (although the quelea is, unlike the sparrow, restricted to a single continent and has never been subject to human introductions).


Nonetheless, many regions of the world have seen population declines, particularly those close to its Eurasian origins. The severity of these decreases has been greatest in Western Europe, while they were initially noted in North America and were attributed to the expansion of the house finch.

The population of Great Britain peaked in the early 1970s, but since then, it has decreased by 68% nationwide and by approximately 90% in some areas. The house sparrow's conservation status in the UK is red, according to the RSPB. The house sparrow nearly vanished from London's centre city.


The house sparrow is almost entirely extinct in South Asian cities including Karachi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Lahore.

Numerous Asian nations have seen a drop in the number of house sparrows in recent years, and India is no exception. The house sparrow was named the state bird of Delhi in 2012 to help encourage the conservation of these birds.


Sparrow rich places in Environment

Sparrows are adaptable birds that can thrive in a variety of environments, including both urban and rural areas. However, certain habitats are particularly conducive to sparrow populations. Here are some examples:

Fields and grasslands: Sparrows are often found in open areas with tall grasses and low shrubs. This provides them with cover for nesting and foraging.

Forest edges: Sparrows are also known to inhabit the edges of forests, where they can find both open areas and cover in the form of trees and bushes.

Farms and orchards: Sparrows are common visitors to farmlands and orchards, where they can find seeds, insects, and other food sources.

Urban areas: Many species of sparrows have adapted to living in urban environments, particularly those with parks, gardens, and other green spaces.

Wetlands: Some species of sparrows, such as the Savannah Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow, can be found in wetland habitats like marshes, swamps, and bogs.

It's worth noting that different species of sparrows may prefer different types of habitats, so the above list is not exhaustive. However, these are some of the most common environments where sparrows are likely to be found.


Different species of Sparrows

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): The House Sparrow is a small, plump bird with a short, thick bill. They have brown and grey feathers with a black bib on their throat. They are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, often around human habitations. They feed on seeds, grains, and insects.

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia): The Song Sparrow is a medium-sized bird with a streaked brown back and wings and a greyish breast. They are found across North America and are known for their beautiful and varied songs. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruits.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina): The Chipping Sparrow is a small bird with a rufous cap and black eyeliner. They are found across North America and are often seen in open woodlands, gardens, and fields. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruits.

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys): The White-crowned Sparrow is a medium-sized bird with distinctive black and white stripes on its head. They are found across North America and are often seen in brushy fields, gardens, and parks. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruits.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis): The White-throated Sparrow is a medium-sized bird with a black and white striped head and a white throat. They are found across North America and are often seen in forest edges, brushy fields, and gardens. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruits.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis): The Savannah Sparrow is a small, streaked bird with a yellowish eyebrow and a short tail. They are found across North America and are often seen in grasslands and meadows. They feed on seeds and insects.

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii): The Lincoln's Sparrow is a small, brown bird with a buff-coloured breasts and a streaked back. They are found across North America and are often seen in wetland areas. They feed on seeds, insects, and fruits.

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana): The Swamp Sparrow is a small, dark bird with a rusty-coloured cap and a greyish breast. They are found across eastern North America and are often seen in marshes and wetlands. They feed on seeds and insects.

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca): The Fox Sparrow is a medium-sized bird with a rusty-coloured back and a heavily streaked breast. They are found across North America and are often seen in woodland habitats. They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects.

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis): The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, grey bird with a white belly and a dark head. They are found across North America and are often seen in woodland habitats and at bird feeders. They feed on seeds and insects.

Each of these species has its own unique characteristics and can be found in a variety of habitats.


THREATS TO SPARROWS BY HUMANS Sparrows, once a common sight in many parts of the world, are now facing numerous threats from humans. These small birds have been an integral part of our lives, with their chirping and playful nature bringing joy and happiness. However, human activities such as urbanization, pesticide use, and habitat destruction have led to a significant decline in their population, making them vulnerable to extinction. In this essay, we will explore the various threats that sparrows face from humans, and some famous quotes and sayings that highlight the importance of preserving these beautiful birds. One of the major threats to sparrows is urbanization. As cities grow and expand, natural habitats are destroyed, leaving little space for birds to thrive. The loss of nesting sites, food sources, and shelter has forced sparrows to adapt to new environments, which often leads to their decline in numbers. As John Muir, the famous naturalist and author, once said, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the impact that human actions can have on the environment and its inhabitants.

Another significant threat to sparrows is the use of pesticides. These chemicals are used to kill insects and other pests, but they also harm birds that feed on these insects. Pesticides can cause damage to the reproductive systems of birds, leading to a decline in their population. Rachel Carson, an American biologist and environmentalist, once said, "The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction." This quote highlights the importance of paying attention to the environment and its inhabitants, and how our actions can profoundly impact their survival.

Habitat destruction is another major threat to sparrows. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and land-use changes are some of the factors that have led to the loss of natural habitats for sparrows. This has forced them to move to urban areas, where they face other threats such as predation by domestic cats and collisions with buildings. As the environmentalist, Aldo Leopold once said, "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends to be otherwise." This quote emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural environment and its inhabitants and how it is essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

In conclusion, sparrows face numerous threats from humans, including urbanization, pesticide use, and habitat destruction. These tiny birds play a significant role in the ecosystem, and their decline in numbers can have a profound impact on the environment. As the famous naturalist John Muir once said, "When one tug at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." This quote highlights the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the environment and its inhabitants. We must take action to protect sparrows and other bird species, as they are a vital part of our natural heritage and deserve our care and attention.

WAYS TO PROTECT SPARROWS AROUND US Sparrows, once a common sight in many parts of the world, are now facing numerous threats from human activities. However, there are several ways we can protect these small birds and ensure their survival. In this essay, we will explore some of the ways we can protect sparrows around us.

  1. Provide food and water: Sparrows require a consistent supply of food and water to survive. By placing bird feeders and bird baths in our yards, we can provide sparrows with a reliable source of food and water. This will also encourage them to visit our yards and help to increase their population.

  2. Create nesting sites: Sparrows require safe and secure nesting sites to breed and raise their young. By providing nest boxes or birdhouses, we can create safe and secure nesting sites for sparrows. These nesting boxes should be placed in a safe and protected area away from predators.

  3. Reduce the use of pesticides: Pesticides are harmful to birds, and the chemicals used in them can have a significant impact on the sparrow population. By reducing the use of pesticides or switching to natural and organic alternatives, we can help to reduce the harm caused to sparrows and other birds.

  4. Protect natural habitats: Sparrows thrive in natural habitats such as fields, forests, and grasslands. By protecting these natural habitats from destruction, we can ensure that sparrows have a safe and secure place to live and breed. This can be achieved by supporting organizations that work towards protecting natural habitats.

  5. Spread awareness: Spreading awareness about the importance of protecting sparrows can help to encourage others to take action to protect them. We can do this by sharing information on social media, organizing awareness campaigns, and participating in community events.

In conclusion, protecting sparrows is crucial to ensuring their survival and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. By providing food and water, creating nesting sites, reducing the use of pesticides, protecting natural habitats, and spreading awareness, we can help to protect these small birds and ensure their survival for future generations. As the environmentalist, Baba Dioum once said, "In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." This quote highlights the importance of education and awareness in protecting the environment and its inhabitants, including sparrows. References http://corbettfoundation.org/articles/tag/world-sparrow-day/ https://swikblog.com/world-sparrow-day-20th-march-2023/ https://www.worldsparrowday.org/ https://blogs.iiit.ac.in/monthly_news/world-sparrow-day/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_sparrow

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