WHY CONSERVE

At one point in time, birds and urban wildlife were seen abundantly. Sparrow is one bird that we have grown up watching. But, in the recent past how many of you really remember seeing a sparrow? The current scenario is such that there has been an 80% decline in the population of sparrows due to many reasons such as habitat destruction, match box shaped buildings and changes in lifestyle.

HABITAT DESTRUCTION

Of late, there has been a destruction of habitat, native trees and green spaces which were vital for survival and ecological needs like nesting, feeding, roosting for sparrows. Due to large scale habitat destruction and alteration, cavity nesting birds like sparrows have lost cavities which were vital for nesting and raising their young ones.

MATCH BOX SHAPE BUILDINGS

Modern architecture made up of glass and aluminum composite panels are devoid of natural cavities or suitable habitat for urban birds and wildlife like sparrows. In such a scenario it is difficult for sparrows and other cavity nesting birds to find suitable habitat.

CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE

Change in lifestyle is one of the major reasons that has led to decline in the sparrow population. In earlier days, our grandmothers and mothers would sit in the verandah and clean cereals and grains. In this process, the leftovers and the worms were eaten by the birds. But now, we get pre-cleaned grains and cereals.

NO NATIVE PLANTS

Exotic plantations has gained a lot of importance in the recent past. Exotic plants do not attract birds and other insects.

Microwave pollution

• Mobile revolution
• Increase in mobile towers
• Satellite dishes
• Radio towers

Change in farming practices

• Intensification
• Mechanisation
• Hedgerow removal
• Overgrazing
• New crops varieties
• Green Houses

Food Scarcity

• Changes in lifestyles
• Changes in crop varieties
• Change in gardening pattern

WHAT ARE CAVITY NESTING BIRDS

Cavity Nesting birds are those birds who live in cavities such as tree hollows or crevices of old buildings. They build their nest, lay eggs and raise their little ones inside them. The size, shape and placement of cavities vary depending on the size of the birds.

Eg. of cavity nesting birds: Sparrow, Parakeets, Mynahs, Owls and Tits.

HOW TO CONSERVE

Adopt Nest Boxes and Bird Feeders

Why ADOPT

The main aim when we ask you to adopt a bird feeder or a nest box is to help conserve the birds. Now you may think that how by adopting these products sparrows can be conserved right? So here is the answer.

Why Feed Birds and How does Bird Feeder Help

• Due to rapid urbanization birds are finding it increasingly difficult to find a constant source of food
• Bird Feeder helps in providing that constant and hygienic source of food with the help of which birds can not only feed themselves but also their young ones
• Non Native plantation in and around has led to a decline in the insect population too which would be a source of food for birds

Why Adopt Nest Boxes and How does it help Conserve Birds

• Nest Boxes are surrogate cavities. As the maternal cavities are not available easily now a days due to rapid urbanization
• Sparrows breed four times a year. This helps them to have a constant and safe place for breeding and to roost
• Helps them raise their young ones and be safe from predators