Understanding urban Sparrow ecology: Insights from population dynamics, feeding patterns, nesting preferences in the Ooty ATC Market Environment, Western Ghats, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India

Testosterone has recently been proposed as a link between male quality and health and the expression of sexual traits. We investigated the relationship between testosterone and measures of the individual condition and health of males in a natural population of house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). We also conducted a captive experiment in order to test for the effects of testosterone on resistance to coccidia, which is a common parasite of house finches. Free-living males in better condition had higher testosterone levels and lower corticosterone levels than free-living males in poor condition. In our captive experiment, increased testosterone accelerated the rate of coccidial infection as compared with sham-implanted or gonadectomized males. Although the differences were not significant, free-living males infected with coccidia had lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of corticosterone than males that were not infected. Thus, experimentally elevating testosterone levels in captive males resulted in a higher percentage of infected males, while free-living males with coccidial infection had low testosterone levels. This apparent discrepancy between captive and free-living males in the association of testosterone and disease may be explained by the condition dependence of testosterone. These results suggest that the testosterone-dependent sexual traits reliably indicate male overall condition and health and, thus, females could benefit from assessing potential mates based on these traits.

Nowadays, human-dependent birds are declining in heavily populated areas, in general. House sparrows are one of the common urban birds that are well-known for their tendency to live near humans. However, the disappearance of this species has been reported widely in India. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the sparrow population in Andhra Pradesh has dropped by 80% and in Kerala, Gujarat, and Rajasthan it has declined by 20%, while the decline in coastal areas of India was as sharp as 70% to 80%. The decline in house sparrow numbers should therefore be examined in relation to human activity patterns over time. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the distribution of the house sparrow population in the Madurai District as well as identify its natural nesting sites according to their structural preferences and distribution along rural, suburban, and urban gradients. A line-transect method was used to survey the 169 study sites in the Madurai District and house sparrow nesting behavior was documented in photographs and videos. Based on the data, sparrows were found in 109 places, wherein 80% of the population was found in urban habitats and 62% in rural habitats. The 53 types of natural nesting sites identified were classified as Cavity-type nesting sites in Building structures (CB), Cavity-type nesting sites in non-Building structures (CNB), and Non-Cavity type nesting sites in non-Building structures (NCNB). A total of 1820 natural nests were discovered, of which 1338 were located in nesting sites of the CB type, which came in 19 different varieties, 253 in those of the CNB type, which came in 15 variations, and 229 in those of the NCNB type, which came in 19 types. The most preferred nesting site in each of the groups was identified to be the space between wooden joists in buildings (CB), pipe holes in highway bridges (CNB), and electric meter boxes (NCNB). Along the rural, suburban, and urban gradients, it was discovered that CB-type nesting sites were the most favoured nesting locations. A high positive association between the population of house sparrows and the amount of accessible natural nesting places was discovered (R = 0.99). Being opportunistic secondary cavity-nesters, house sparrows exhibit flexibility in choosing nesting sites, in the absence of cavity-type nests. Therefore, it can be concluded that, by providing suitable nesting sites, this species could be conserved in areas with a declining population index.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a well-known synanthropic species of birds that has traditionally been abundant around human habitation. Nevertheless, the fast urbanization has brought about drastic changes in its habitat or rather with its nesting patterns, and choice of nest sites. The paper aims at analyzing the adaptive nesting behaviors of the House Sparrows in fast urbanizing environment of Bhilwara, Rajasthan. With the conversion of the traditional housing forms to the modern building designs, areas that allow natural nesting like the cavity, ventilators and the tiled roofing are reducing significantly thus forcing the sparrows to change their modes of nesting. The rationale of the study is to examine how the House Sparrows change their nesting behaviors regarding the changes in the urban environment, which types of locations are used frequently as nesting, and how the anthropogenic and ecological factors contribute to House Sparrow adaptations. Examining literature available shows that sparrows are flexible in behaviour as they make use of human built structures like electric meter boxes, air-conditioning and signboards among other man-made structures in urban environments. These shifts demonstrate the tenacity of the species, along with the increasing dependence of the species on modified environments. As a way of responding to the research questions posed, a research design that is both descriptive and analytical has been adopted. The research is based on both primary observation data as well as secondary data sources, which include scientific publications, environmental literature, and bird databases. Primary data will be collected by writing down the nesting sites, the structures used and the habitat conditions around the areas of choice in the urban areas of Bhilwara. To determine patterns and trends in the ability to adapt to nesting, the obtained information is processed through comparative and descriptive analysis. The paper gives an insight into the effects of urbanization on avian behavioral ecology and the importance of conservation based urban planning to sustain adequate sparrow populations.

Human settlements represent important year-round habitats for many declining farmland birds; however, detailed knowledge of species-specific habitat associations is crucial for effective conservation of individual species. In this study, we examined the effect of environmental factors on the occurrence, population density, and habitat associations of three sedentary granivorous farmland bird species (house sparrow Passer domesticus, tree sparrow Passer montanus, and Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto) during the breeding season within an urban environment and compared the results with a previously published study carried out during winter. To fulfil our aims, we used a comprehensive dataset from a nation-wide monitoring program focused on the studied species in the Czech Republic covering the period 2010–2016 and including a total of 162 human settlements (330.3-km length of transect). House sparrow was the most numerous and common species recorded on the studied transects, followed by tree sparrow and Eurasian collared dove. The population density of house sparrows and Eurasian collared doves was positively correlated with the proportion of farmsteads, and the population density of tree sparrows was positively correlated with proportion of grasslands. The occurrence of house sparrows and Eurasian collared doves increased with higher proportion of buildings and small-scale farms, whereas occurrence of tree sparrows increased with higher proportion of small-scale farms and woody plants. Habitat preference analyses demonstrated that house sparrow and Eurasian collared dove primarily preferred buildings, and tree sparrows preferred small-scale farms. Arable habitats were generally avoided by all studied species. Based on species-specific occurrence and habitat associations, several management measures may be adopted to support declining populations of the studied species, as well as whole bird communities inhabiting urban environments.

The House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, is invasive in many areas of the world, but is listed as a species of conservation concern in parts of its native range. This study assessed the effect of land-use type on the relative abundance of House Sparrows in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, an urban area where they are invasive. It was predicted that House Sparrows in an urban environment would be more abundant at shopping malls compared with other habitats. Spot counts were done at shopping malls, schools, factories and suburban gardens throughout the year. House Sparrows were recorded frequently at shopping malls and rarely in suburban gardens. Type of urban land use appears to determine food and possibly nest site availability. This in turn affects the density, relative abundance, and distribution of House Sparrows. There appears no need to regulate this urban House Sparrow population because it has different feeding and breeding requirements to native birds, is not predatory, and is largely restricted to heavily transformed landscapes.

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the most successful birds in the urban environment, and has a global distribution. The present study aims to provide baseline data about metals in sparrows from urban environments in the West Bank and to investigate the possibility of using the House Sparrow to monitor metal pollution in urban environments. Concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn were measured in different tissues and organs of male and female juvenile (1-4 weeks old) and adult House Sparrows from the West Bank. Tissues and organs had the following order of metal richness: liver > stomach > bone > lung, feathers > muscles > egg contents, brain > heart > egg shell. Significant correlation coefficients were observed for the concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the egg shell and for the egg contents. Male and female Sparrows showed no significant differences in their metal concentrations. Adult Sparrows collected from rural areas were found to have significantly less Cu, Pb, and Zn (but not Cd) concentrations than those from urban environments. In order to investigate metal accumulation with age, metal concentrations were plotted against age stage (egg, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week-old juveniles and adults). Significant relationships were observed between age stage and Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations. The results provide some evidence for the potential of the House Sparrow as a biomonitor for urban heavy metal pollution. However, further issues regarding metal physiological regulation and the correlations between metals in the environment and those in tissues of the House Sparrows have to be addressed before recommending this bird as a biomonitor for urban metal pollution.

Lack of food for nestlings is a crucial factor influencing population size and dynamics in birds. It is one of the most cited reasons for recent House Sparrow Passer domesticus population declines in cities and rural settlements. However, a detailed comparative study of habitat use by parents delivering food to offspring in different environments is still missing. To obtain the most detailed information on fine‐scale foraging habitat selection, foraging‐range size, flight distance and foraging duration in typical Central European urban and rural environments, we conducted systematic observations of colour‐ringed focal individuals feeding their offspring. We found that urban House Sparrows had larger foraging‐range sizes and longer foraging distances than rural birds. Additionally, some preferred habitats, such as ruderal and woody vegetation, occurred less frequently in the urban area and consequently increased flight distance to key sources of invertebrate prey. In both environments, the most selected habitats – bin storage areas and poultry holdings – offered a stable and rich but probably lower quality ‘fast food’ source. Birds were willing to fly a longer distance to forage at bin storage areas, tall ruderal vegetation and poultry holdings. Our findings imply that natural food sources in the urban environment are scarce and scattered. Due to the improvement of socio‐economic status associated with better handling of waste products in both urban and rural environments, sprawl of highly urbanized areas and intensification of farming, important foraging habitats have thus decreased. We highlight the importance of maintaining suitable small‐ and medium‐scale farms in rural areas and suggest improvements in the management of green spaces in all types of human settlements that may support House Sparrow populations.

Background: The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a widely distributed and well-studied urban passerine, adapted to a range of environments from rural farmlands to densely populated cities across the globe. Aims: The present study document and analyse the occurrence of plumage aberrations in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Ajmer City, Rajasthan, and to assess the possibility of a localized, potentially genetically distinct population maintaining these rare traits. Study Design: Observational, field-based study focusing on phenotypic variation within a free-living urban bird population. Place and Duration of Study: Urban and suburban areas of Ajmer City, Rajasthan, India, from January 2024 to April 2025. Methodology: Systematic field surveys were conducted across multiple sites within the Ajmer district using direct visual observation, supported by photography for documentation. Individual sparrows displaying atypical plumage were identified and compared against the standard plumage characteristics of Passer domesticus. Morphological parameters such as plumage coloration, body size, and apparent health status were recorded. Results: A total of three erythristic House Sparrows (one male and two females) were documented from three distinct locations within Ajmer City. These individuals consistently displayed reddish-brown pigmentation on the crown, nape, back, and ventral regions, distinctly different from standard plumage. In addition, a single case of partial leucism was recorded, characterized by localized patches of depigmented (whitish) feathers. Conclusion: The repeated sightings of erythristic and leucistic House Sparrows in Ajmer suggest the potential existence of a localized, genetically influenced anomaly within the population. Further genetic and ecological studies are necessary to confirm inheritance patterns and to explore the adaptive significance of these rare plumage traits in an urban environment.

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House sparrows (Passer domesticus) have been an integral part of Indian life for decades, playing a significant role in both ecological and cultural contexts. They are useful for pest control and are also culturally significant. Their population has declined sharply in recent years due to urbanization, habitat destruction, and changes in agricultural practices. This paper proposes several policy recommendations to conserve house sparrows in India by adopting an integrated approach involving habitat protection, regulation of pesticides, public awareness, community participation, and legislative backing. First, creating and restoring habitats for sparrows is necessary. Urban planners need to incorporate green spaces, such as parks and traditional building structures, that have nesting sites for sparrows. Second, laws on the use of pesticides should be tightened to encourage organic farming practices that suit farmers and birds alike. Third, public education campaigns need to inform people about the significance of sparrows and involve communities in conservation efforts, such as putting up nesting boxes. Participation of people is important, as residents can become important stakeholders in conservation. Programs that engage residents can make people own biodiversity. This paper suggests that legal policies must be revised to safeguard urban wildlife, such as house sparrows, and implement laws against the illegal trade of wildlife. This paper adopts a doctrinal research approach and a qualitative analysis method to identify the policies for house sparrow conservation. The paper expects that continuous study and surveillance are crucial to comprehending the problem sparrows encounter and monitoring the efficacy of conservation efforts. Through these suggestions, India can improve the environment for house sparrows and enhance biodiversity to the benefit of people and nature. This holistic approach will restore the house sparrow population, bridging urban and rural landscapes and keeping this beloved bird for generations to come.

The present research work was carried out during 2003 to 2016 to aim the scenario of depleting trends and conservation efforts of House Sparrow in and around Kurukshetra district in Haryana province in India. House Sparrow Passer domesticus was abundantly available in each and every corner of villages, towns and cities in Haryana and Punjab in early 1990s. Today, it has been totally wiped out from its very popular places of abundance. Its depletion is so alarming that now there is no chirping of House sparrow in early Morning and Evening Hours. The extremely low numbers of House Sparrows are directly linked with whooping failure of its broods and also non-availability of nesting places. Infact, latter is very crucial in diminishing common house sparrow populations across the length and breadth of the Indian Subcontinent. Its restoration is impending. The issue is sensitive and gigantic. Conversely, its restorative measures are apparently simple and straight forward. The present studies argued that dwelling houses should necessarily have Verandas and ventilators with shutters inside of walls. Bushes, Bougainvilleas vines, hedges, beri-plants be grown extensively. In addition, wooden boxes of 9x6” be installed on tree branches and within the premises of every human dwelling in all villages, towns, cities and metropolitan cities across Indian- territory to restore house sparrow’s alarming depleting populations in modern times. House sparrow responds quickly to rejuvenative measures.

We here provide a general overview of the study of bird abundance, demography, and populations in urban environments with special attention on those from Latin America. We found that studies focused on bird abundance and demography were more common in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. We classified those species taken into account in four or more studies according to their response to urbanization. In general, specialist birds are negatively related with urbanization, whereas two invasive exotics, the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), are present in most of the reviewed urbanized areas along Latin America. Although scarce, studies of bird demography revealed, in general, higher bird survival in urban environments, possibly due to lower predator density. However, anthropogenic causes have been identified to affect bird populations in urban areas (e.g., window and vehicle collisions, nest predation, predation by domestic cats and dogs). Future studies will importantly add to our knowledge of urban bird ecology in Latin America by continuing to quantify bird numbers and assess demography patterns, as well as identifying the factors that mold them. Birds, as highly informative and charismatic bioindicators, could play a crucial role in adding evidence-based knowledge for decision-makers to take action in building bird-friendly and livable cities.

House sparrows (Passer domesticus) are a hugely successful anthrodependent species; occurring on nearly every continent. Yet, despite their ubiquity and familiarity to humans, surprisingly little is known about their origins. We sought to investigate the evolutionary history of the house sparrow and identify the processes involved in its transition to a human-commensal niche. We used a whole genome resequencing dataset of 120 individuals from three Eurasian species, including three populations of Bactrianus sparrows, a non-commensal, divergent house sparrow lineage occurring in the Near East. Coalescent modelling supports a split between house and Bactrianus sparrow 11 Kya and an expansion in the house sparrow at 6 Kya, consistent with the spread of agriculture following the Neolithic revolution. Commensal house sparrows therefore likely moved into Europe with the spread of agriculture following this period. Using the Bactrianus sparrow as a proxy for a pre-commensal, ancestral house population, we performed a comparative genome scan to identify genes potentially involved with adaptation to an anthropogenic niche. We identified potential signatures of recent, positive selection in the genome of the commensal house sparrow that are absent in Bactrianus populations. The strongest selected region encompasses two major candidate genes; COL11A-which regulates craniofacial and skull development and AMY2A, part of the amylase gene family which has previously been linked to adaptation to high-starch diets in humans and dogs. Our work examines human-commensalism in an evolutionary framework, identifies genomic regions likely involved in rapid adaptation to this new niche and ties the evolution of this species to the development of modern human civilization.

Although interspecific competition is suggested to be one of the major forces dictating community structure, interspecific interference competition for nest sites in birds has been reported mainly from observational studies. Here, we asked whether interference by the larger House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) could reduce breeding success and parental behavior in the smaller Great Tit (Parus major) following clutch completion, by experimentally allowing House Sparrows to access half of the Great Tit nest boxes. Significantly more tit pairs failed to raise young in nest boxes that House Sparrows were able to enter during their breeding period compared to those that were not able to do so, because House Sparrows usurped 77.8% of the Great Tit nests. Great Tits also increased the duration of nest defense in the presence of House Sparrows. As the outcome of interference competition may lead to breeding failure, birds should necessarily evolve ways to avoid nest competitors either by selecting nests that restrict access to their larger competitors and/or by initiating breeding earlier. Conservation efforts should be directed toward attaching a metal restrictor plate around the entrance of nest boxes to prevent woodpeckers from enlarging the entrance and larger species from entering nests.

The House Sparrow Passer domesticus is traditionally associated with human habitation. However, the species has undergone dramatic declines in many urban areas in north-western Europe. There are many theories as to why this decline has occurred, but the lack of data on House Sparrow numbers prior to their decline has hampered efforts to investigate these theories in detail. This review summarises the demographic changes in urban House Sparrow populations since the 1970s, and considers evidence that the current distribution of House Sparrows may reflect changes in urban habitats caused by socioeconomic change. Evidence is mounting that, within urban landscapes, House Sparrows appear to be more prevalent in areas with a relatively low human socioeconomic status. Here, we present evidence to suggest that House Sparrows may have disappeared predominantly from more affluent areas, and that these areas are more likely to have undergone changes to habitat structure. We also show how these changes in habitat could influence House Sparrow populations via impacts upon nesting success, foraging and predation risk.