Once neighbours, sparrows now face extinction

THE sparrow has become a rare sight in today's urban sprawl, leaving many children unfamiliar with this charming companion.

- NARENDRA SETHI @ Dehradun

THE sparrow has become a rare sight in today's urban sprawl, leaving many children unfamiliar with this charming companion. As deforestation, noise pollution, and urbanization take their toll, these birds are retreating to rural areas.

"The absence of sparrows in our cities is alarming for bird enthusiasts. Their cheerful chirping in rural settings offers a comforting reminder of nature's harmony," says Dr Raman Kumar, an ornithologist.

On the occasion of World Sparrow Day on March 20, experts highlight the challenges faced by sparrows in urban environments, from finding suitable nesting sites to accessing food.

"Sparrows used to nest in crevices and thatched roofs, but now homes are made of concrete, leaving them with fewer options," Raman Kumar says.