India Marks World Sparrow Day by Highlighting Native Sparrow Species
On World Sparrow Day, March 20, attention has been drawn to the diversity of sparrow species found across India. While the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is the most commonly recognized, there are seven distinct sparrow species recorded in the country.
These include the Sind Sparrow, found mainly in northwestern regions, and the Russet Sparrow, which inhabits the Himalayan and northeastern hills. The Spanish Sparrow appears as a winter visitor, while the Chestnut-shouldered Bush Sparrow (Yellow-throated Sparrow) is widely seen across the Indian peninsula.
Other species such as the Eurasian Tree Sparrow are present in the Himalayas and Northeast, whereas the Pale Sparrow (Pale Rockfinch) remains rare, with only scattered sightings in parts of India.
The focus on these species highlights the need for greater awareness and conservation, as sparrow populations continue to face challenges from urbanization, habitat loss, and environmental changes.
