As the world celebrated another World Sparrow Day on Thursday, sparrow enthusiasts in Thiruvananthapuram were grappling with a troubling reality. The once-thriving population of house sparrows in the city and its suburbs has seen a significant decline.

A survey undertaken by the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), a non-governmental organisation, a day ago has shed light on the fall in sparrow population. The study, which spanned various sparrow habitats within Thiruvananthapuram and its suburbs such Pothencode and Nedumangad, found a noticeable drop in the bird’s population compared to previous years.

The survey uncovered a stark contrast in the bird count in several key areas. In the heart of the city, neighbourhoods such as medical college, Fort, Chala, Shanghumughom and Vettucaud, all of which once had stable sparrow populations, showed a significant decline or were completely devoid of the birds. Particularly alarming was the situation in Nedumangad, where a healthy population had thrived for over a decade. However, by 2024, the sparrow count had plummeted to just 10 birds.

Nests abandoned

In contrast, the Connemara Market, a longstanding hub for sparrow activity in the city, has seen a modest uptick in numbers. This year, 38 sparrows were observed in the market and its vicinity, including the nearby Palayam Juma Masjid, Saphalyam Complex, and on the trees surrounding the Martyrs’ Column. While this represents an increase from the 33 recorded in 2024, it is still far from the peak numbers of 148 sparrows in 2012 and 101 in 2013. Many of the sparrow nests installed by nature groups at the market entrance have been abandoned due to their dilapidated condition. However, a group of headload workers continue to protect the remaining nests from crows.

Contributing factors

Other parts of the city such as Statue, Thampanoor, Pazhavangadi and Fort have been devoid of sparrows for several years. The reasons behind the disappearance of sparrows in busy areas like East Nada, Kuthiramalika, and Attukal Complex remain unclear. It is believed the lack of food and proper nesting sites are major contributing factors.

Some coastal areas of the city are still holding on to their sparrow populations. Over 120 sparrows were recorded at Beemapally. Over 50 sparrows were spotted in Vizhinjam. However, other coastal locations such as Valiyathura and Poovar have seen a decline. The sparrow population at Poovar has fallen from 25 birds in 2024 to just eight this year.

Still hopeful

Overall, as per the survey results for 2025, a total of 262 sparrows were recorded. A significant 78%, i.e., 198 birds, were reported from the coastal belt.

K.B. Sanjayan, a senior member of the TNHS who coordinated the sparrow count, remains optimistic that Thiruvananthapuram’s sparrow population can recover. He highlighted the growing support from the local populace, including market vendors and residents, who try to help the birds by providing bird baths and maintaining active nests.