3 hrs ago
Kolkata’s Sparrows Seem Scarcer Despite Stable Population Trends
People in Kolkata feel that they see fewer sparrows than they used to.
However, experts say there is no city-wide count proving exactly how many sparrows have disappeared.
The House Sparrow is still found in many places.
New buildings often close the small holes where sparrows make nests.
They also need insects for their babies, seeds and grains for adults, plants, water and loose soil.
A nest box by itself may not provide everything they need.
Some experts say mobile-phone towers are not proven to be the cause.
Sparrows are still seen near markets that sell grain.
People can help by keeping plants, water and safe nesting spaces available.
House Sparrow sightings appear rarer in Kolkata, but no city-wide census confirms a specific population loss.
The species is globally classified as Least Concern, while India’s 2025 bird report gives it Moderate Conservation Priority.
The report estimates annual declines of 2.76% nationally and 3.54% in Bengal, although one ornithologist describes trends as stable across states.
Modern buildings provide fewer nesting cavities, vegetation, insects, grains, water and loose soil than older Kolkata homes did.
Experts recommend shrubs, clean water, fewer pesticides, feeders and preserving nesting spaces to support sparrows.
- Who
- House Sparrows, also called chorai pakhi, and Kolkata residents and bird experts discussing their visibility.
- What
- Sparrows appear less common in everyday Kolkata sightings, while experts debate whether this reflects an actual population decline.
- Where
- Kolkata, with comparisons to Bengal and research from Guwahati.
- When
- The article refers to current conditions and the 2025 State of India’s Birds update.
- Why
- Changing urban construction has reduced nesting spaces and other habitat features, although the role of mobile-tower radiation is disputed.
Stable-Trend View
Urban-Decline View
Is Kolkata losing sparrows?
Stable-Trend View
Experts cited in the article say the overall House Sparrow population trend is stable, and no city-wide census confirms a specific percentage loss in Kolkata.
Urban-Decline View
Residents and bird enthusiasts report fewer sightings, while national and Bengal data cited in the article indicate annual declines, especially in Bengal.
What is causing fewer sightings?
Stable-Trend View
The apparent disappearance may mainly reflect where sparrows are seen, rather than a confirmed city-wide population collapse.
Urban-Decline View
Urban ecologists and ornithologists point to sealed high-rise buildings, fewer nesting cavities, reduced vegetation and diminished access to food and other habitat features.
Do mobile towers cause the decline?
Stable-Trend View
One bird enthusiast said there is no scientific evidence linking mobile towers to sparrow disappearance and noted seeing nests on towers.
Urban-Decline View
Electromagnetic radiation is commonly blamed for sparrow decline, but the article says this explanation remains contested rather than established.
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Passer domesticus
- Global status
- Least Concern
- India conservation priority
- Moderate Conservation Priority in the 2025 State of India’s Birds update
- Estimated national trend
- A current decline of about 2.76% per year
- Estimated Bengal trend
- A current decline of about 3.54% per year, classified as Rapid Decline
- Key habitat needs
- Nesting cavities, insects, grains and seeds, vegetation, water and loose soil
Quotes
Sarbasis Dutta
Urban ecologist and PhD researcher at the University of Granada
“The establishment of mobile towers has nothing to do with the disappearance of sparrows. This is a myth. There is no scientific evidence to support it.”
telegraphindia.com
“The overall population trend has not declined for the species. The trend analysis of House Sparrow is stable across all the states.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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