Tree sparrows in decline: Why the former garden favorite is disappearing

Tree sparrows in decline: Why the former garden favorite is disappearing

What's going on in the bird world? The tree sparrow, this charming little bird, comes to visit houses more and more often - and yet it is becoming increasingly rare. This is reported by the Central Bavarian. The tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a loving companion in gardens and fields, where it was actually found in large numbers just a few decades ago. Specimens can often be observed, especially in the Kelheim area, but the challenges that modern agriculture brings with it are troubling the bird. The habitats offer increasingly less shelter and food.

“The field sparrow lacks the seeds of native wild herbs such as orach, knotweed or mugwort,” explains Angelika Nelson from LBV. And as a result, the species is on the Red List's warning list. Other wild species, such as the famous house sparrow, also have similar problems. How NABU shows, the population declines in recent decades are a serious problem because the reasons are varied and not yet fully understood.

A call for participation

In order to record the current population of tree sparrows, NABU organizes reporting campaigns in which nature observers are called upon to document their sightings. The results can be recorded in the NABU|naturgucker reporting portal. This help from citizen scientists is important in order to get to the bottom of regional declines and long-term developments. The field sparrow observation project runs all year round and is intended to help find out the reasons for the decline of this bird species.

Volunteers are also called upon to report dead bodies. This helps gather valuable information about environmental toxins that may also contribute to tree sparrow threats. The “Hour of the Winter Birds” and the “Hour of the Garden Birds” are also important data sources on population development.

Lifestyle and appearance

With a height of 14 cm and a weight of up to 25 g, the tree sparrow is a handy companion. It breeds in colonies and has the ability to quickly adapt to human habitats - the little fellows can often be seen in cities and surrounding areas. A good breeding season, which lasts from April to the end of July, allows for 2-3 annual broods, with the clutch size varying between 3-6 eggs. These eggs are whitish with brown spots, giving them a striking appearance, like Brodowski Photography describes.

Tree sparrows are sociable birds that like to forage for food in company and are also often seen bathing in birdbaths. Why they sometimes raise two females at the same time or take sand baths may soon be of scientific interest. However, the real problem remains that, despite the sightings, many of their old retreats are becoming increasingly rare due to the changing landscape. However, a natural garden and pesticide-free agriculture could give the tree sparrow a better quality of life.

The developments surrounding the tree sparrow are not only locally relevant, but also affect the big picture of biodiversity. So if we have a good hand in designing the environment in our gardens and parks, we not only support this charming little bird, but also countless other species that enrich our ecosystem.