As we celebrate World Sparrow Day, ornithologist and bird watchers express concern over the dwindling population of House Sparrows or Passer domesticus. Once among the most commonly found bird species in urban cities, their numbers have steadily declined over the past decade.
According to reports, the population of House Sparrows has marginally increased in parts of Delhi, especially slums, since 2012, after then-Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit declared it as Delhi's 'state bird' and launched a campaign called "Rise for the Sparrows" aimed at conserving the species.
The World Sparrow Day was first celebrated in 2010.
The house sparrow is known to have lived in close contact with humans, rather than in forests and has, for years, peacefully coexisted with us in our buildings and gardens, according to conservation organisation, WWF. According to the NGO, factors leading to their decline are; rapidly changing cities that are inhabitable for the bird species, modern infrastructure that does not account for space for the sparrow to nest, and the sharp rise in pollution levels, caused by microwave towers and pesticides.
World Sparrow Day 2022: Know History, Significance Of The Day World Sparrow Day 2021: Here Are Sparrow Day Facts And How To Celebrate World Sparrow Day: Twitter Concerned Over Disappearing Avian Companions 2,200 Jobs, 25,000 Aspirants: Air India Spot Sparks Stampede Scare In Mumbai 4 Top Leaders Quit Ajit Pawar's Party In Major Setback After Poll Drubbing Trump's Running Mate Calls UK "Truly Islamist State With Nuclear Weapons Delhi Doctors Report Rise In Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease In Children World Emoji Day 2024: Know Date, History And Significance BJP Huddle In UP Today To Review By-Election Preps After Big Poll Setback Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.