Sparrows are a common type of small bird found throughout much of the world. While some sparrow species are endangered or threatened, most sparrows are considered common birds and are not protected under law.
Are sparrows protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law in the United States that protects migratory birds, their nests, and their eggs. The MBTA makes it illegal to harm, hunt, capture, kill, possess, sell, or purchase migratory birds, their feathers, nests, or eggs without a permit.
Sparrows are considered native migratory bird species in the United States. However, the MBTA excludes non-native species like House Sparrows and Eurasian Tree Sparrows. So native sparrow species like Song Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, and Vesper Sparrows are protected under the MBTA, while introduced sparrow species are not.
Are all sparrow species protected?
While native sparrows are protected in the US under the MBTA, not all sparrow species worldwide are protected or endangered. Many species like the House Sparrow and Eurasian Tree Sparrow have adapted well to human habitats and urbanization and have large, stable populations globally. Here are some examples of sparrow conservation status:
- House Sparrow – Least Concern status on IUCN Red List, introduced and invasive in many areas
- Eurasian Tree Sparrow – Least Concern status, tolerant of human landscapes
- Song Sparrow – Least Concern status, protected by MBTA in the US
- Java Sparrow – Vulnerable status, endemic to Java and Bali in Indonesia
- Dead Sea Sparrow – Endangered status, only found around the Dead Sea in the Middle East
So while some sparrow species like the Dead Sea Sparrow are endangered, most common sparrow species have thriving global populations and are not in need of legal protections.
Are sparrows protected in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, all wild birds, including sparrows, receive general legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This Act makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or take wild birds, take or damage their nests while in use or being built, or take or destroy their eggs.
The House Sparrow and Eurasian Tree Sparrow are both common, non-native species in the UK that are not protected under any special conservation laws. However, along with all other sparrow species, they are protected from intentional harm by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Why are some sparrow species declining?
While many sparrow species have adapted well to human landscapes, some species have seen population declines due to habitat loss, predation, and other threats. Here are some of the major reasons why certain sparrow species are declining:
- Habitat loss – Conversion of grasslands, forests, and wetlands to agriculture and development removes vital sparrow nesting and foraging grounds.
- Pesticides – Chemical use can poison sparrows or reduce insect prey populations.
- Predation – Increased predator species like cats in human areas can threaten some sparrow populations.
- Disease – Bacterial and viral illnesses can spread rapidly and be deadly in some sparrow species.
- Invasive species – Introduced birds like House Sparrows compete with native sparrows for resources.
- Climate change – Changing weather patterns and global warming disrupt migration and breeding habits.
Declining species like the Java Sparrow, Dead Sea Sparrow, and Timor Sparrow face high risks of extinction without increased conservation efforts to protect their sensitive island habitats.
How can we help protect sparrows?
Here are some tips that anyone can follow to help protect sparrows, both in their yards and through larger conservation efforts:
- Provide food, water, and nesting sites – Sparrows thrive around native plants, bird feeders, bird baths, nest boxes, and reduced pesticide use.
- Keep cats indoors – Pet and feral cats are a major predation threat for many small bird species.
- Make windows bird safe – Use decals or screens to prevent deadly collisions.
- Buy shade-grown coffee – Supports wintering habitat for migratory sparrows.
- Support conservancy groups – Donate or volunteer for groups protecting sparrow habitats.
- Contact lawmakers – Advocate for sparrow protections and habitat conservation funding.
- Spread awareness – Educate others on sparrow conservation and research.
Conclusion
Most sparrow species are not endangered or in need of legal protections. However, all sparrows play important ecological roles and populations of some species are declining. While introduced species like House Sparrows remain widespread, protecting native sparrow habitats and reducing threats is crucial to conserve these iconic backyard birds. With some simple actions in our daily lives, we can all make a difference for sparrow conservation.