25-3-2016 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

These noisy and sociable birds are found around the world, thanks to their cheerful ability to make the most of humanity's rubbish and wastefulness. But monitoring suggests a severe decline in the UK House Sparrow population, recently estimated as dropping by 71% between 1977 and 2008 with large falls in both rural and urban populations. Their numbers are still dropping in England, Breeding Bird Survey data indicates recent population increases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

House Sparrows are aggressive and may evict other species to take over their nest sites.

House Sparrows have lived alongside humans for centuries, taking advantage of spilt grain and food scraps.

They’re the most common bird seen during the Big Garden Birdwatch and if you put up feeders you’re almost certain to see them (they particularly love fat balls and sunflower hearts).

You might also spot them hopping about on city streets, in stations and parks, as well as out in the countryside in hedgerows and on agricultural fields.