How this man is bringing back sparrows to homes with nesting boxes and feeders

Mohammed Dilawar would see hundreds of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) around his grandparents’ home in Nashik, where he spent most of his childhood. Their nests dotted almost every house in the neighbourhood and public places like bus bays and railway stations, where they lived in colonies and survived on food grains and tiny worms. 

However, in the last couple of decades, he noticed their numbers had not only diminished but most pockets where they once thrived, did not record a single sparrow. Alarmed at this development, Dilawar decided to find the reason for their diminishing numbers. He was appalled to discover that most people did not believe that sparrows had any conservation value.  

“Sparrows play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling insect population and helping in pollination through seed dispersal,” Dilawar tells 30Stades. 

Known as "Goraiya" (Hindi), "Kuruvi" (Tamil), and "Chirya" (Urdu), sparrows have been an integral part of Indian households. However, Dilawar observed that while people and governments alike took immense interest towards the conservation of tigers and elephants in India, there was little interest in preserving the common sparrow. 

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Giving wings to sparrow conservation

“Since sparrows were not considered a threatened species, no one took any interest,” he says. In 2005, Dilawar started a non-profit organisation called Nature Forever Society (NFS) that focuses on conserving common bird species in backyards and urban settings. His organisation has been encouraging citizens to participate in bird conservation. His immediate focus was to provide food and nesting sites for sparrows to bring them back from the brink.

In collaboration with the Burhani Foundation (India), NFS launched Project Save Our Sparrow, which resulted in the distribution of 52,000 free bird feeders across the world. In 2008, after the sale of at least 1,000 nest boxes and bird feeders, TIME magazine recognised him as the “hero” of the environment for his efforts. 

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The project was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 for the highest number of bird feeders distributed in a single day.

In the last two decades, NFS has distributed or sold more than 20 lakh bird feeders and over seven lakh nest boxes that provide artificial nesting sites, especially in urban areas where natural nesting spaces are scarce. 

This has boosted sparrow populations and contributed to their conservation. 

The nest boxes and bird feeders are distributed for free in collaboration with donors and also sold online, priced upwards of Rs300. “They are made in Nashik where 30 employees work. The metros including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru have reported an increase in sparrow numbers. We get regular feedback from adopters,” says Dilawar, adding that Nashik has also reported a rise in sparrow numbers.

World Sparrow Day

On March 20, 2010, NFS observed the first World House Sparrow Day, an international initiative, in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology (USA), Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France), Avon Wildlife Trust (UK), and numerous other national and international organizations. 

The day has now become a people’s movement globally, thanks to his efforts. The event aims to highlight the importance of conserving these birds, particularly in urban areas, where house sparrows face challenges of survival. 

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Dilawar says March 20 was chosen as the official date for World Sparrow Day due to its symbolic significance in many parts of the world.

In the Northern Hemisphere, March marks the beginning of spring, a season associated with renewal, rebirth, and the return of many migratory birds, including sparrows. The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of birds and raise awareness about the threats they face. 

This timing also aligns with the natural behaviour of sparrows, who typically begin their mating season around this time, making it a fitting moment to focus on their preservation, he says.

“One of the best ways to help sparrows is to make your environment conducive to their existence. Whether you live in an apartment in the city or a suburban house, you can take steps to create a habitat that supports sparrows and other birds,” says Dilawar. 

For those who want to help birds, he offers the following tips:

Install Bird Feeders: Place bird feeders with seeds that attract sparrows. You can also set up water sources for them to drink or bathe.

Plant Native Shrubs and Trees: Native plants provide natural food and shelter for sparrows. Choose plants that produce seeds and berries that sparrows can eat.

Reduce Pesticide Use: Pesticides harm birds and insects. By using natural alternatives, you help protect the local bird population.

World Sparrow Day has grown from a local initiative to a global movement, drawing attention to the plight of sparrows and other common birds. The day is a reminder of the power of collective action. By raising awareness, educating the public, and taking action, we can work together to protect house sparrows and ensure that future generations can enjoy these beautiful and important creatures in our cities and beyond.

(Rama Devi Menon is a Hyderabad-based independent journalist, bird conservationist and animal rights advocate.)

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