Día Mundial del Gorrión 2025

On the 20th of March, it is World Sparrow Day (World Sparrow Day), an initiative by Nature Forever Society in India and other conservation organizations worldwide, to draw attention to the significant decline of the species. The sparrow is a fairly common bird that you can find in almost any city around the world, but have you noticed that there are fewer sparrows?

Indeed, the decrease in sparrow populations should be reason enough to study what is happening, as the disappearance of a single species greatly impacts biodiversity and the health of the planet, and therefore, the health of humanity.

It may seem like sparrows are not in danger, but the reality is that, worldwide, this species is threatened by our actions. And their numbers are dropping extremely fast. In fact, in Spain, experts warn that populations have decreased by 70%. And on World Sparrow Day 2025, this is truly alarming.

These data show that a species that may seem very common today (and has been extremely abundant in the past) may become a rarity in the not-so-distant future. It could even be at risk of becoming extinct.

Populations have «fallen» by up to 70%

In the last decade, the number of sparrows has plummeted. Gradually, they have disappeared from many cities and towns, succumbing to the challenges we face.

A few years ago, they were a familiar sight, with populations consisting of thousands of individuals; today, there are only a few hundred. And this is solely due to our way of life, hence the urgency of this issue.

The Steep Decline is 100% Anthropogenic

On World Sparrow Day 2025, it is crucial to examine what is causing the disappearance of these urban birds. The primary factor is the lack of food, as the insect population is also dwindling.

Both in urban and rural areas, intense agricultural pollution and the increasing use of pesticides are devastating among sparrow populations. The birth rate is low, and to compound it, parents struggle to find food to build nests.

This is exacerbated by urbanization intensification and building renovations that have reduced the cavities serving as nesting sites. In fact, new buildings are becoming less suitable for nesting.

World Sparrow Day 2025 – What Can We Do?

At the end of winter, we can install nest boxes to provide a safe haven for raising their chicks. They should be placed horizontally with the flight hole on the side and front. The ideal location is under eaves at a minimum height of 2 meters.

It is crucial that, during the breeding season in Spring, we do not disturb the nests to maintain the birds’ peace as they are more sensitive to disruptions then. Additionally, the young are at their most vulnerable stage.

If you wish to observe them, it is most sensitive to place nest boxes in protected areas, where you can directly observe them or with binoculars. Providing available seeds is also a good strategy as it will serve as a supplement when they are raising their young. And let’s not forget that no type of insecticides should be used in the vicinity.

Practical Tips:

Install feeders. Extra food can be a great help for birds, especially in winter. There are many types of feeders where you can provide seeds, nuts, sweet fruits, suet cakes… if you dare, you can make them yourself!

Install nesting boxes. If you have a suitable garden or terrace, away from predators and rain and cold shelter, you can install nest boxes to encourage sparrows or other birds to nest there.

It is important not to cause unnecessary disturbance or negatively interfere with the sparrows’ reproduction. So, if possible, avoid working at home during the breeding period.

Adapt the house to our neighbors’ needs. If you have holes where sparrows can perch – do not affect water pipes or air chambers, you will promote their reproduction.

Improve your garden. There are many measures you can implement: opt for ecological gardening, avoid pesticides, use local vegetation, limit artificial sidewalk surfaces… You can also consider installing a birdbath or a permanent pond. You’ll have frequent visitors.

Avoid risks for sparrows and other urban wildlife. The garden hides certain dangers for wildlife that it is important to address. For example, large windows and glass pose a bird strike risk. You can prevent this by installing suitable adhesive vinyl. Another simple trick is to fit a bell on your pet cat to reduce its success in hunting wild birds. Fences and bushes can also cause reproductive failure for some birds. Therefore, avoid these activities between April and August.