World Sparrow Day 2025: 6 simple ways you can help save sparrows

World Sparrow Day 2025: You can help sparrows by keeping a bowl of fresh water on your balcony or garden

Remember when waking up to the sound of chirping sparrows was normal? Now, it’s more of a rare treat. These little birds, also known as goraiya, once filled the backyards and the balconies. Today they are disappearing because the cities are getting noisier, concrete buildings have replaced their nesting spots, and food is harder to find.

Sparrows have always lived alongside people, making homes on rooftops, old buildings, and trees. But modern construction doesn’t leave space for them. Fewer people grow plants, pesticides wipe out their food sources, and pollution messes with their survival. However, by following some simple habits you can save sparrows.

The World Sparrow Day is a reminder that you need to protect these birds. No, you don’t need to be a conservationist to help. Small, everyday actions can bring them back.

Also read | World sparrow day 2025: 10 ways to save goraiya, the small bird

How to save sparrows: Pesticides may keep your plants pest-free, but they also wipe out the tiny insects that sparrows feed on. If you can, switch to organic gardening or at least reduce your use of chemical sprays (Image: Canva)

6 Things you can do to save the sparrows:

• Invite them home: Sparrows love small, sheltered spaces, but your modern home probably doesn’t have many. Fix that by putting up a simple wooden birdhouse on your balcony, garden, or terrace. Even an old earthen pot placed sideways in a quiet corner can work. Give them a home, and they’ll come back.

• Keep them hydrated: Sparrows search for water during the scorching summer. You cnn help solve this problem. A shallow bowl of fresh water on your balcony or garden can be a lifesaver. Just remember to refill it daily and keep it in a safe spot where cats can’t sneak up on them.

• Grow more greenery: Sparrows need trees and shrubs for food, shelter, and nesting. If you have space, plant native trees and flowering plants. Even if you don’t have a garden, a few potted plants on your balcony can help. More greenery means more insects, which means more food for baby sparrows.

• Ditch the chemicals: Pesticides may keep your plants pest-free, but they also wipe out the tiny insects that sparrows feed on. If you can, switch to organic gardening or at least reduce your use of chemical sprays. The fewer chemicals in your environment, the better it is for them (and you!).

• Provide for them: Sparrows used to snack on leftover grains at markets and homes, but those easy meals are disappearing. You can help by leaving out a handful of grains like rice, millet, or wheat in an open dish. Avoid processed or salted food as these are unhealthy for them.

• Talk about it: Most people don’t even realise sparrows are disappearing. A simple conversation with friends or family can make a difference. Share what you know, post about it on social media, or even get your local community involved in bird-friendly initiatives. The more people care, the better their chances of survival.