I was out for breakfast the other day and saw these few House Sparrows on the roof. I have lamented before that sparrows are far and few these days, compared to 1 or 2 decades ago.Known as Passer domesticus indicus, they are one of the passerine bird species that occupies the urban niche and have been successful until recent years. Could it be due to the prevalent use of pesticides, chemicals etc that pollute the environment knowingly and unknowingly by us humans? I am certain it is not due to predation because they have few natural predators that are larger and more successful than them in this urban environment.
Well, the males are apparently bolder in plumage colouration compared to the drab, dull brown females. I saw in a magazine recently that they have one mate for life, and each year they can lay a few broods of eggs with each brood between 3-6 eggs. The eggs hatch within 2 weeks and the young are able to breed soon after that. In premise, it seems promising that they have a very prolific life cycle but in reality, something is not quite right.
A link is attached below:
I bet on my dollar that the one shown below is a male with its chestnut brown crown.
