House sparrows have declined significantly in cities across the UK and face welfare challenges from loss of nesting sites and insect food for chicks.
House sparrow welfare in cities is affected by the dual losses of nesting sites and invertebrate prey. Adult sparrows can meet their nutritional needs with seed from garden feeders, but chicks require invertebrate protein during their first weeks of life. Urban gardens managed with pesticides, paved over, or planted with non-native plants that support few invertebrates cannot provide this critical food. Loss of nesting cavities in maintained buildings reduces breeding opportunities for a colonial nesting species that benefits from proximity to other pairs. Creating gardens with native plants that support insects, reducing pesticide use, and maintaining or installing sparrow terrace nest boxes addresses both welfare needs simultaneously.