House Sparrow

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) used to be one one of the most common birds in the Indian neighbourhood but recently there has been lot concern on its apparently declining numbers. In the UK and western Europe it has shown a rapid decline particularly in the urban areas. Even in India, some studies have shown that it is showing a remarkable decline. The cause of this apparent decline remains obscure with various theories abounding ranging from usage of pesticides to increase in mobile microwave radiations. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) still labels it as of "Least Concern". In any case, I had opportunity to witness this bird in its full form in my neighbourhood park and after many trials and tribulations I did manage to snap some decent photos.

This is the best shot I could manage of a male perched on a branch.

A female foraging on the ground

A male precariously perched on a branchless stem

A male in the background and an out of focus camouflaged female in the foreground