PEOPLE are being urged to join a house sparrow survey.
The house sparrow may be one of the most familiar birds but the RSPB fears it is under threat.
The charity wants people to take part in a survey to find out why house sparrow numbers are in decline. House sparrow numbers fell by 64 per cent between 1972 and 1996 with an estimated loss of 9.6m birds - a figure equivalent to the population of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
RSPB spokesman David Hirst said: "We need to know where house sparrows are doing well and where they are in trouble. It is also important to know about areas where there are no sparrows at all."
The survey is launched on May Day and runs until Sunday, May 11. For details of how to get involved call 0870 601 0215 before May 6, or write to: RSPB, Sparrowatch 2003, Freepost ANG10850, 17 Birkheads Road, Reigate, RH2 9SP. Results can be sent in online by visiting the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/sparrowatch
Mr Hirst said: "It's easy to think house sparrows will always be around but in most areas of the country, these birds are in real trouble."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article