House Sparrow, Passer Domesticus.

Among the list of endangered species, it is sobering to learn that the humble House Sparrow is now on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List, having declined in UK population by almost 70% in the last 40 years. The reasons for this decline are many and unclear but include lack of food in our more sterile gardens planted with non-native species, loss of habitat and nesting sites, and disease.

I am lucky enough to have daily visits from House Sparrows who congregate in my neighbour’s Rambling Rector Rose which grows in profusion between our gardens. Their lively chatter, social character and general sense of busyness explains their collective nouns – a Host, or a Quarrel. House Sparrows have lived alongside humans for millennia, and their familiarity has allowed for regional nicknames to be in common use. In the North of England, they are Spugs or Spuggies.