Paris wants to save the sparrow

The city of Paris is championing the rescue of the sparrow, as the little bird is increasingly disappearing from rooftops, green spaces, and balconies.

In Switzerland, the situation looks somewhat different. Here, the feathered city-dwellers bred more than ever in 2020. Nevertheless, the same problem is threatening to emerge in Swiss cities.

Population in Paris down 70%

Since the year 2000, the population has declined by 70%, the French capital announced. According to the city's most recent nature atlas, the sparrow, along with 153 other bird species, is now even threatened in its existence there. In four “sparrow districts,” living conditions for the birds are to be specifically improved so that sparrow colonies can grow again. Residents and business owners are to play an active role under the guidance of the bird protection federation.

Nest boxes and seeds are being distributed, and plants particularly suited to sparrows are being planted. Exploratory walks are intended to educate and raise awareness among residents and business owners in the “sparrow districts.” The hope is that “sparrow districts” will then become established across the entire city. With a biodiversity plan running until 2024, Paris is also addressing species diversity in other areas.

Modern construction methods are displacing sparrows

The population of these small city-dwellers is declining due to modern construction methods in city centres. House sparrows have adapted over a long period to life in urban areas. They found food in lively parks and could nest in the recesses of buildings. However, as renovations and new builds place great emphasis on well-sealed structures, sparrows can barely find places to build their nests anymore.

Furthermore, green spaces are disappearing from cities, and those that remain are less biodiverse, which severely limits the sparrow's food supply. In short, a manicured lawn won't lure a single insect out of hiding.