Studies on the response of House Sparrow Passer domesticus to artificial nest-boxes in rural Arakkonam and Nemili taluks, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study evaluated the response of House Sparrows Passer domesticus to artificial nest-boxes installed in human dwellings in 30 villages in Arakkonam and Nemili taluks, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu between February and July 2019, with help of school students who installed 245 artificial nest-boxes in their houses. House Sparrows attempted to build nests in 32 nest-boxes by frequent visits, built partial nests in 51, and built active nests followed by successful breeding in 32 nest-boxes; there was no response to the remaining 130. A significant relationship was detected between the type of house and the adoption of boxes by the birds. The maximum response was seen in tiled houses, followed by concrete and thatched houses. House Sparrows preferred nest-boxes placed at heights between 3 and 4 m. At the end of the breeding season, a total of 80 chicks successfully emerged from 32 active nests. Some mortality in adult birds due to ceiling fans and predatory animals such as House Crows and Domestic Cats was reported. Active nests in nest-boxes and birds were found in villages where mobile phone towers were installed. Of 32 active nests enumerated in nest-boxes, 22 were found within a 500 m radius of mobile phone towers, two from 500–1,000 m and eight from 1,000–2,000 m. Further study is planned to examine the relationship between mobile towers and nest site selection by sparrows. A survey done through a questionnaire reveals that 95% of residents were aware of and concerned about the declining populations of House Sparrow.