Why Are Sparrows Important? Understanding Their Ecological Value
Sparrows are small yet attractive birds. This bird is found all over the world including India. The sparrow is a very nimble bird. There are many species of sparrow found. The sparrow has small wings. Its beak is yellow and the colour of the feet is brown. Its body is light greyish-black. They usually have black spots on their neck. Male sparrows and female sparrows are different in appearance. Male sparrows are more attractive than female ones.
A sparrow is an omnivorous bird. It eats seeds, grains, fruits and insects etc. Sparrows generally build their nests in the roof of houses, buildings, bridges and hollows of trees. In urban areas, these birds often nest in the houses of humans.
Details and Other Characteristics
Highlights
Sparrows are flexible in all climates. Their lifespan is 4 to 7 years. These birds usually fly at a speed of about 24 miles per hour. Sparrows mostly like to fly in herds. These birds are rarely seen in hilly areas. Sadly, the sparrow species are dying due to environmental pollution and other reasons. And as a result, this beautiful bird has started to disappear gradually. To spread awareness about sparrows and their protection, “World Sparrow Day” is celebrated every year on 20 March worldwide. Excess temperature proves fatal for these birds.
Some Facts About Sparrows
Once, the sparrow was the most common bird in Britain. However, their ratio has been steadily decreasing for some time.
The common sparrow in East Asia is not the house sparrow, it’s the tree sparrow.
They are very social birds, in fact, they make their nest in colonies, houses, etc.
They are mainly vegetarian but young birds need high protein in their diet so they eat insects.
Cats, dogs, snakes and foxes are the major predators for the house sparrow.
Three-quarters of sparrows disappeared from London between 1994 and 2000. Due to fast decline, this bird is listed as nearly endangered.
The length of a sparrow can be a maximum of 8 inches and 0.8 to 1.4 ounces in weight.
Although sparrows do not belong to the family of water birds, they can swim very fast.
Sparrows have beautiful voices and their chirping can be heard all around.
Some of the species of sparrow include the vesper sparrow, tree sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, song sparrow and fox sparrow.
The vesper sparrow: The vesper sparrow has a long tail and a relatively larger body and is known to respond quite promptly to changes in habitat. It is mainly found across the majority of the Northern part of the United States and in parts of Canada.
Tree sparrow: The Eurasian tree sparrow is a rare type of sparrow and can usually be spotted in areas like farmlands and woodlands. However, it is unfortunately even more difficult to find it in urban areas due to the growing environmental dangers like pollution, overpopulation, etc.
White-crowned sparrow: This bird’s native is in North America and although the white-crowned sparrows are numerous in numbers, their population is still declining quite quickly.
Song sparrow: The song sparrow is known to be one of the most easily adaptable and abundantly found species compared to the other types of sparrows found in North America.
Fox sparrow: This sparrow is known to build nests in far-off areas such as those of the north and western mountains. A fox sparrow is a little larger than a song- sparrow and it is often known to be only either a winter visitor or simply a migrant.
Extinction of the Sparrow
At present, it is seen that due to pollution and deforestation, etc., results in temperature have risen. Hence, the sparrows are migrating from the cities in search of food and nests. However, they are not able to get rest even in the rural areas, because the villages too are populous. Sparrow Day is celebrated every year to make people more aware about the threat to the lives of this bird’s population. The purpose of celebrating this day is to increase awareness among people about saving the life of this lovely bird.
To save sparrows, this bird has been declared as a State bird in Bihar so that everyone can pay attention and take a serious step to protect this bird. If the right measures are not taken to preserve these beautiful birds in time, then the day is not far when they will go extinct. According to bird scientists, people should provide some places in their homes to recall sparrows, where they can easily make their own nest, lay their eggs and their children can be safe from the invading birds, cats, dogs, snakes and foxes. We must pledge to take some measures to protect their lives.
Conclusion
Sparrows are one of the most beautiful birds. Due to pollution and other reasons, these birds are on the verge of extinction. According to the ornithologists, people should provide some places in their homes for their shelter, where they can easily make their own nest and lay their eggs. So that these invasive birds can be saved. These are some basic steps that should be taken to protect these birds from the predator birds.
FAQs on Essay on Sparrow: Ecological Role, Facts & Writing Guide
1. How can I describe a sparrow in a few simple words for my essay?
You can describe a sparrow as a small, plump, brown-and-grey bird known for its cheerful chirping. They are very social and are often seen in flocks. Mentioning that they are common around human homes is a great starting point for an essay.
2. What do sparrows typically eat?
A sparrow's diet mainly consists of grains, seeds, and leftover food scraps from humans. They are considered omnivores because they also feed insects to their young, which provides the necessary protein for growth.
3. What are some interesting facts about sparrows that I can include in my essay?
To make your essay more engaging, you could include these facts:
- Sparrows are very social and live in groups called flocks.
- Though not water birds, they can swim to escape predators.
- The most common type is the House Sparrow, but other species like the Tree Sparrow exist.
- Their population has been declining, making them a bird of conservation concern.
4. Why are sparrows considered important for the environment?
Sparrows play a vital role in the ecosystem. They help in pest control by eating insects and larvae that can harm crops. They also contribute to seed dispersal, helping plants grow in new areas. Their presence is often seen as a sign of a healthy, balanced environment.
5. Are sparrows endangered, and what are the main reasons for their decline?
While not officially listed as endangered everywhere, the population of sparrows is rapidly declining. The main reasons for this include:
- Loss of nesting sites due to modern, crevice-free architecture.
- Increased pollution, particularly from mobile towers.
- Widespread use of pesticides, which kills the insects they need for food.
6. When is World Sparrow Day celebrated and why is it significant?
World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20th. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the decreasing number of sparrows and to encourage people to take simple steps to help conserve them, like providing water, food, and nesting boxes.
7. Besides just describing the bird, what key themes can I explore in an essay on sparrows?
A great essay moves beyond simple description. You can explore themes like the relationship between humans and nature, using the sparrow as an example. You could also discuss the impact of urbanisation on wildlife or the importance of biodiversity, highlighting why even a small bird matters in our world.
