Bhubaneswar, March 20: The cheerful chirping of the house sparrow, once a common sound in households and villages, is now fading, raising serious environmental concerns. Known for its “chirp-chirp” call that adds vibrancy to mornings, the presence of the bird is often considered an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

Observed every year on March 20, World Sparrow Day aims to spread awareness about the conservation of house sparrows. The initiative was launched in 2010 by the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation, and has since gained global recognition.

Experts say the sparrow population has witnessed a sharp decline over the years due to rapid urbanisation, increasing use of concrete structures, radiation from mobile towers, and shrinking food sources. The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has further disrupted their food chain.

Once a regular sight in rural courtyards, sparrows have nearly disappeared from villages, while a limited presence is still observed in urban areas. Traditionally nesting in thatched houses, the birds have been forced to shift habitats due to the decline of such structures, often caused by recurring cyclones and changing housing patterns.

House sparrows primarily feed on grains such as paddy, rice, and wheat, along with small insects, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and protecting crops.

Bird expert Shyamsundar Mishra warned that the declining population of sparrows is a clear environmental signal. He stressed that without timely conservation efforts, the species may soon be confined to books and photographs.