A Leicestershire survey is collecting data on House Sparrow sightings, especially nesting activity, to assess the local population. More...

House Sparrows in the UK have suffered a big population decline in the past few decades - since the 1970s their numbers have dropped by more than 50%. Causes include habitat loss, pollution, lack of food sources, and disease. They are now classified as a Red List species on the UK’s Birds of Conservation Concern. Parts of Leicestershire still have good numbers of House Sparrows, but numbers elsewhere appear to have crashed. 

A Leicestershire survey has been launched to find out more about the status of House Sparrows locally. If you see one then please let us know where and where it was and how many there were (approximately). We especially want to know if they are nesting so the breeding population can be assessed. If you see a House Sparrow entering a hole or cavity between now and July it is likely to be nesting – just add a note about this on your record. You can easily submit a record of any sighting on the NatureSpot website. Just log create an account if you’ve not done already this, then select the Submit Records form from the main menu. Enter the date, location name (e.g. Leicester garden) and click the spot on the map. You can then select House Sparrow from the species menu.

Helping House Sparrows

• Sparrows like dense hedges and shrubs – leave bushes in your garden to grow thick and bushy. Let parts of your garden grow wild to create a mini habitat – insects are needed to feed their young.
• Set up a shallow birdbath for drinking and bathing, keeping it clean and unfrozen in winter.
• Provide food such as sunflower hearts, and mixed birdseed. Mealworms and dried insects provide essential protein, especially in breeding season.
• Put up a nest box. The RSPB website offers advice on the type of nestbox needed for House Sparrows.

House Sparrow | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology