The Finch Family Next Door: A Tale of Tiny Companions

 

Introduction: So once again, talk about that topic whose story our elders used to tell us and as we grew up, this creature has become rare today. This is the same domestic bird, which we know as sparrow, it was one of the most common birds around us. There was a time when this small, nimble and sociable bird lived with humans for centuries. But in the last few decades it has become alarmingly rare. Today we will know in detail about the rarity of this member of our household, especially when it is not yet fully known.

 

A campaign to save the sparrow is under "Sparrow Conservation Scheme" and "Sparrow Kutir Programme":

House Sparrow (Sparrow): A Brief Introduction

 

• Scientific name: Passer domesticus

• Identification: It is a small bird, about 14-16 cm in length. The male sparrow is identified by its brown upper parts, white cheeks and black throat, while the female is light brown in color and has stripes.

• Habitat: The sparrow is originally from Eurasia, but is now found in almost every corner of the world. It loves to live around humans and is often seen in homes, gardens, farms and urban areas.

• Diet: Sparrows are omnivorous. They eat grains, seeds, small insects, fruits and even food scraps thrown by humans.

• Breeding: Sparrows can breed several times a year. They usually nest in the walls of houses, under roofs, in tree cavities or in bushes. The female lays 3-5 eggs at a time, which hatch in about 10-14 days.

Decreasing number of sparrows: Reasons for concern

The way sparrows have decreased rapidly in the world, especially in India and across the world. There are many reasons for this; some of the major ones are as follows:

• Lack of habitat: Urbanization and modern construction techniques have reduced the safe nesting sites for sparrows. The spaces they used to get in older homes are not available in newer designs.

• Use of pesticides: Extensive use of pesticides in agriculture has reduced the availability of sparrows' food, especially small insects.

• Mobile radiation: Some studies have shown that electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile towers can affect the reproduction and direction sense of sparrows.

• Decreasing greenery: Due to lack of trees and greenery in cities, sparrows are unable to get food and shelter.

• Other reasons: Increasing numbers of predators like cats and competition for food may also be responsible for the declining sparrow numbers.

Sparrow Conservation Scheme

 

In view of the declining number of sparrows, efforts are being made at various levels for its conservation. Sparrow Conservation Scheme is a comprehensive approach in which the population of these birds can be increased.

Several measures are involved to stabilize and increase the sparrow population. Some of the key aspects of this plan could be:

 

• Awareness campaign: To make people aware about the importance of sparrows and the reasons for their declining numbers. Workshops, seminars, and media can be used for this.

• Habitat conservation and creation: Make artificial nests for sparrows and place them in homes, parks and other suitable places. Preserve their nesting sites in old homes and buildings.

• Increase food availability: Plant plants in parks, gardens and balconies that provide food to sparrows. Provide them with food and water in winter.

• Reducing the use of pesticides: Promote organic farming and encourage people to use less harmful pesticides in gardening.

• Research and monitoring: Conducting scientific research to find out the reasons for decline in sparrow population and regularly monitoring their numbers.

• Community involvement: encouraging local communities, non-government organizations and government agencies to work together.

Sparrow Kutir Program

The "Sparrow Kutir Program" is seen as a successful effort of sparrow conservation scheme. This is a unique initiative whose main objective is to provide safe and suitable habitat for sparrows to build nests. The purpose is to provide space. Under this program, people are encouraged to install artificial nests (sparrow huts) for sparrows in their homes and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Sparrow Hut:

 

• Safe Shelter: It protects the sparrows from predators and bad weather.

 

• Breeding Site: It provides them a safe place to lay eggs and raise their babies.

• Easy installation: These huts are easy to make and install.

 

• Community participation: It gives people an opportunity to directly get involved in sparrow conservation efforts.

How to make or install sparrow hut:

 

• Buying: There are various types of readymade sparrow huts available in the market which can be purchased.

 

• prepare yourself: Sparrow huts can be made at home using small wooden boxes, clay pots or other suitable materials. Make sure they have appropriately sized holes for entry and exit.

• Preparing the place to install: Install the sparrow hut in a quiet and safe place, such as on the outside wall of the house, on the balcony, or on a tree branch. Try to protect it from the sun and rain.

• Care: Clean the hut from time to time to prevent parasites or dirt from accumulating in it.

Conclusion

Believe it, sparrows were not only an important part of our environment but also of our families and are still so in some places, and their decreasing numbers are a threat to our ecology.

This is a matter of concern for the system. Efforts like "Sparrow Conservation Scheme" and "Sparrow Cottage Program" can play an important role in saving this small bird and keeping our nature prosperous. We all should contribute to these efforts so that we can play a role. We all should contribute to these efforts so that future generations can also see sparrows chirping around them.