Finding Clues in Cities: Nest Site Selection by House Sparrows Across a Varied Habitat Matrixin Delhi, India

Abstract

With changing urbanization pattern and architectural style, the house sparrow is rapidly losing its nesting ground leading to a drastic decline in its population. We studied the sparrow nest site selection to make recommendations to the Forest Department and NGOs in the conservation of sparrows in Delhi, India. Active nests were located across the habitat matrix in East Delhi. The maximum number of nests was found in suburban and high-density urban areas. The most preferred place for nesting was rolling shutters and wall crevices. The presence of old buildings, vegeta-tion patch, water source, grocery shops, food provi-sioning, open drains and open dumps influence the sparrow nest selection site. By conserving natural habitat and installing nest boxes at suitable places, the sparrows can be conserved.