Ahmedabad: House sparrows, once a common sight across urban open spaces, have increasingly retreated to the city’s outskirts, according to local birdwatching groups. The concern comes ahead of World Sparrow Day, which is annually observed on March 20 to raise awareness of the bird’s declining habitat. Jagat Kinkhabwala, known as ‘Sparrow Man’, said the occasion is a reminder of how much remains to be discovered about the species. “Their habit of bathing in sand serves a dual purpose. It removes pests and works as a natural dry shampoo to maintain feather health. Some research suggests that their chirping may help trigger the opening of plant stomata, the tiny pores that facilitate gas exchange,” he said. “The more we know about them, the more we appreciate our constant companions,” he added.
