Once a common bird in London, the rate of decline of the cockney sparrow is truly alarming. The house sparrow population in Britain has dropped by 64% in the last 25 years.

Appearance and behaviour  Male house sparrows have streaked brown plumage with pale cheeks, a grey crown and black bib. The females are paler and without the patterned head.  They are social and gregarious, and often found in small flocks. 

Conservation issues  The house sparrow is on the ‘Red List’ of British birds – those of the highest conservation concern. The sparrow’s disappearance from London is somewhat mysterious.  Different theories suggest that air pollution may be affecting populations of aphids – a major source of food for sparrow young. Other theories include lack of nesting sites in new buildings, and also the re-establishment of the sparrow hawk in the capital.

Wild facts  The house sparrow’s natural range stretches from Ireland to Siberia, north to the Arctic Circle and south to North Africa, the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka.  Sparrow pie was a common rural dish in Britain up to the time of the First World War, and even later: a sparrow pie containing 100 sparrows was served on 16 January 1967 at the Rose Inn at Peldon, near Colchester!  A sparrow was killed at Lord's cricket ground by a ball bowled by Jehangir Khan in 1936. This bird has been preserved and can be seen mounted on the ball that killed him in the Memorial Gallery at Lord's.  

Where to see them  Sparrows are typically found near human habitation, including city centres, parks, and gardens. They have also been spotted deep in London Underground stations!

In your patch  Find out if the house sparrow has been spotted in your area with the fantastic WIMBY tool, run by GiGL – Greenspace Information for Greater London.

Spotted  Have you seen a house sparrow in London? Let us know!  Register with GiGL and tell us about the species you’ve spotted in the capital.