House sparrows, those little chestnut and brown birds with the cheery chirruping song, may be found in cities and countryside alike, but their numbers have dwindled by a whopping 60% in the past 45 years, according to the RSPB.
But gardens, and gardeners, can make a real difference.
At this time of the year, birds are finding a mate and seeking out safe nesting sites ahead of breeding season (April to August). All that takes energy, so now’s the time to prep your plot by planting to encourage protein-rich insects like aphids and caterpillars, and later, seeds, for hungry house sparrows to feast on.
Below are 3 top tips for helping house sparrows survive and thrive in your garden:
Know what to plant
When it comes to choosing particular plants, consider varieties that provide nectar and seeds once the flowering’s over.
“There are some beautiful plants that not only add a lovely pop of colour to your garden, but once they’ve gone to seed later in the year, will attract sparrows to mine the fading flower heads,” says Charlotte Ambrose at the RSPB.
Great options include coneflower, verbena and lavender – but do check labels for lavender, as Charlotte advises avoiding Lavandula x intermedia hybrids, which don’t produce seeds.
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Verbena is a pretty purple plant that provides plenty of seeds once it’s finished flowering
Ensure you’re attracting insects
While seeds matter later in the year, spring sparrows also need insects, especially if they’re feeding hungry chicks.
One simple way to help is to grow plants that support the sorts of invertebrates sparrows can easily catch. Charlotte notes that “adding plants that will attract insects such as aphids also give the house sparrows another food source in your garden”.
Two top trees for this are crab apple and wild cherry. Both help kickstart your garden’s food chain: blossom supports early pollinators, while fresh growth can draw in aphids and other small insects (like caterpillars) — which go on to become bird food. Don’t use pesticides and let aphids be – these kind of creatures can be invaluable in the eco system of a wildlife-friendly garden.
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Aphids can provide a feast for a hungry house sparrow
Get the right nest box
“House sparrows are known for nesting close to us, in the eaves of houses,” says Charlotte. The good news is they’ll readily use nest boxes, too, as long as you offer the right style and placement.
Charlotte recommends “a standard classic apex box with a 32mm diameter hole”. Even better, sparrows are communal nesters, so “placing several in one area is great if you can.” Position boxes high, ideally under the eaves, and at least 3m off the ground.
Martin Koebsch//Getty Images
House sparrows love a cosy spot under the eaves
bird box gallery
Painted Oak Bird BoxCredit: Country Living Marketplace
Open Front NestboxCredit: RSPB
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