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WedMar 20

World Sparrow Day – March 20, 2024

World Sparrow Day, observed annually on March 20, is a day to raise awareness of the protection of sparrows. We are particularly excited about this holiday because we just can’t resist the cuteness of these little birds and we know at the end of this article, you will be as excited to join too.

History of World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day is an initiative started by the Nature Forever Society of India (founded by Mohammed Dilawar) along with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation of France and many other organizations around the world. Though the holiday carries the name Sparrow, it was mainly created for awareness of Sparrows but also includes the beauty and biodiversity of other common birds that may share the same space as us.

Mohammed Dilawar, a dedicated conservationist, started the campaign to provide special care for house Sparrows in Nashik. The idea to make the campaign official was born during an informal discussion at the office of the Nature Forever Society. Thereafter, the first World Sparrow Day was observed in 2010 all around the world.

It created a platform for bird conservationists to network and exchange ideas to improve conservation. It aims to provide a point of contact for people around the world to come together and create awareness of the necessity for the protection of common biodiversity or species of lower conservation.

Sparrows or house sparrows have been known to live in green patches and backyards chirping away in urban areas though, during the harsh summers, they require cool shades and water. They’ve always been quite common in residential areas but are currently on the verge of extinction due to noise pollution, lack of nesting sites in modern buildings, pesticide usage, and non-availability of food as reported by ornithologists.

The awareness created led to the house sparrow becoming the state bird of Delhi in 2012.

As the years go by, more people are joining the campaign to conserve these birds as a way of giving back to nature. Some have gone as far as creating bird nests for sparrows and other common, birds in the community.

World Sparrow Day timeline

1863
Introduction of the House Sparrow

The house sparrow is introduced into America, parts of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand from this time, such that it is now the most widespread urban bird in the world.

2008
Heroes of the Environment

The founder of the Nature Forever Society, Mohammed Dilawar is named one of the ‘Heroes of the Environment.’

2012
State Bird of Delhi

The efforts of the Nature Forever Society, a conservationist group, lead to the declaration of the house sparrow as the state bird of Delhi.

2019
I Love Sparrows

The theme for World Sparrow Day in 2019 is ‘I Love Sparrows.’

World Sparrow Day FAQs

Why is World Sparrow Day celebrated?

It is a day celebrated to raise awareness and protect the common house sparrows.

What does a sparrow symbolize?

The sparrow symbolizes simplicity, creativity, community, power, and empowerment. The sparrows are not independent birds but they are neither needy nor desperate.

Are sparrows the smartest birds?

Sparrows are smart and sharp birds but research has shown that parrots and the corvid family of crows, ravens, and jays are considered the smartest species.

How to Observe World Sparrow Day

  1. Care for a sparrow

    Make nests, put water for sparrows during the summer season, and put bird feeders in gardens or any open area to protect the adorable bird. They’ll surely appreciate it.

  2. Organize walks and hikes

    Organize a sparrow-watching trip with your family and friends, feed the birds, take pictures to document, and create beautiful stickers or posters. You can create beautiful memories on this day.

  3. Create awareness about sparrows

    Host a sparrow event and organize teachings that create awareness and enlighten people about sparrows. Also have entertainment like sparrow poetry, a photography contest, and a sparrow treasure hunt.

5 Interesting Facts About Sparrows

  1. Once upon a time in Britain

    Sparrows were once one of Britain’s most common birds, however, their population has declined in recent years.

  2. A movement to the grain fields

    Although house sparrows are non-migratory birds, the urban flock had traditionally moved to the countryside to feed on ripening grain fields.

  3. The first day in the world

    The first World Sparrow Day was celebrated in 2010 in different parts of the world.

  4. Sparrow Awards

    The Nature Forever Society instituted the first Sparrow Awards in March 2011 to encourage the efforts made towards the cause and to selflessly conserve the environment.

  5. Making of the World Sparrow Day

    The idea to mark World Sparrow Day came up during a discussion at the N.F.C’s office where the idea was to earmark a day for the conservation of the house sparrow and other common birds.

Why World Sparrow Day is Important

  1. It’s a day to admire nature’s beauty

    World Sparrow Day is a day to celebrate the conservation and protection of sparrows. It is also a day to admire the beauty of biodiversity and nature.

  2. It is a time to spread awareness on biodiversity conservation

    This day provides a meeting ground for people from different parts of the world to come together and play an important role in advocacy and spreading awareness of the need of conserving common biodiversity. We love this!

  3. It is a fun event

    Various kinds of campaigns, events, and activities are organized on this day to encourage people to participate and contribute to the cause. See what you can do to help!

World Sparrow Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 20Wednesday
2025March 20Thursday
2026March 20Friday
2027March 20Saturday
2028March 20Monday

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