House sparrows (Passer domesticus) are on the UK Red List of Conservation Concern, having been added in 2002 due to severe population declines exceeding 60-70% over the last 50 years. Despite being widespread, they are considered a species in urgent need of conservation action in the UK. RSPB +1

Key Facts on Red List Status:

• Decline: Over 10 million pairs have been lost in the UK since the late 1960s.

• Reasons for Decline: Key factors include reduced food availability (seeds/insects) from modern farming, lack of nesting sites in modern buildings, air pollution, and disease.

• Status: While they may be stabilizing in some areas, they remain red-listed due to long-term trends.

• Global Status: While critically declining in the UK, BirdLife International currently lists them as "Least Concern" globally, though they are considered a species with decreasing populations. BirdLife DataZone +3

How to Help:

• Provide Food: Offer high-energy food like sunflower hearts and mixed birdseed.

• Nest Boxes: Install specialized terrace nest boxes specifically for house sparrows, which are colonial nesters.

• Garden Habitats: Let patches of the garden grow wild and maintain dense, thorny shrubs for shelter.