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Where the house sparrow nest: preference shifts to packed places
Why in news?
- orld sparrow day on 20th march.
- A study on the nesting habits of the house sparrow in the Nilgiris has highlighted certain interesting behavioural changes among the birds.
- It has also outlined a few causes of concern for their future conservation.
More in news
- Study on habitat preference:(1) The researchers discovered that even though the nests kept in the market area had higher human footfall, and was busier, the birds preferred to nest in these areas.(2) It took the sparrows longer to adopt nests that were placed in residential areas.(3) Birds prefer market areas because of the availability of food.(4) Diet of sparrows consists of grains and they also prefer a high-protein diet to raise their chicks.(5) They get protein source from insects and flies, and also from meat from stalls in the market.
- Low genetic diversity:(1) The concentration of the sparrow population in a few pockets only could be problematic in the long-run.(2) Sparrows are in-breeding and are not coming into contact with other birds, which could lead to a dramatic crash in their population in the future.
- Pot of water, some grains:(1) Individual house can keep a small pot of water for the birds during the summer, and some grains for them to feed on, it will be quite useful in ensuring the survival of the birds.(2) Housing plans too can incorporate small designs to allow sparrows to nest in the buildings.(3) Each household can ensure the survival of at least two to three pairs of house sparrows.
Source
The hindu