Article of the Month: 

Are House Sparrows in decline?

Recent studies show that the popular, chirpy House Sparrow is in decline. It is estimated that there are 10 million fewer House Sparrows than there were twenty five years ago! This makes it clear that we have a problem. A big problem.

Why the decline?

There have been 50% declines in farmland and gardens. There has been a large general loss of habitat. Climate change has altered breeding cycles and too many Sparrows are dying each year. A lack of natural food could also mean too many Sparrows die of starvation each year.

Facts and figures:

There are still between six and seven million pairs of House Sparrow in Britain.

In the 1970s there were 12 million pairs.

Just over half of British House Sparrows occur in southern and central-eastern England.

House Sparrow populations have declined most in eastern England (90% since 1970) and south-east England (65%).

Numbers are currently thought to be increasing in Scotland and Wales.

Rural gardens appear to be the most favoured habitat for the species.

Declines in the wider countryside took place between 1980 and 1995.

Declines in suburban and urban gardens started in about 1984 and are still continuing.

In London there was a 59% decline in House Sparrow numbers between 1994 and 2000

What can we do/What is being done?

Planting a hedgerow, hedge or thick leafy tree will help provide habitat for them and other birds. Installing a nest box in your house or garden helps provide habitat too.

Say NO to modern gardens, pebble, gravel, patio and decking which cost a fortune- and reduce natural food for all animals. 

Several organisations such as the BTO, are researching the decline of House Sparrows. These require funding. You can find out this information on the Links and Partners page.

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