THE UBIQUITOUS house sparrow may soon become an unfamiliar sight in the region the RSPB has warned.

This month the society is calling for the help of people in Cumbria in an attempt to discover why the

popular birds are plummeting in number, reports Lisa Frascarelli.

David Hirst of the RSPB's North of England Region explained: "It's easy to think house sparrows will always be around, but in most areas of the country, these birds are in real trouble. Studies over the last 25 years have shown that the house sparrow population has more than halved in some parts of the UK."

House sparrow numbers fell by a staggering 64 per cent between 1972 and 1996 with an estimated loss of 9.6 million birds - a figure equivalent to the human population of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The RSPB is now asking people in the region to help with a survey of house sparrows. The survey, which will run from tomorrow, May 3, until May 11, will help find the reason for the bird's decline.

Mr Hirst explained there were many theories for the declines, including lack of food and nest sites, but there was still no clear explanation.

"We need the help of people in Cumbria to help us find out more about house sparrow numbers. 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.

"You don't have to be an expert to take part. On any day in the week following May Day, we are asking as many local people as possible to tell us about their local house sparrows by answering a few simple questions. The more people take part, the better our information will be."

To take part in the house sparrow survey call the RSPB hotline on 0870-601-0215 before May 6 or write to: RSPB, Sparrowatch2003, Freepost ANG10850, 17 Birkheads Road, Reigate, RH2-9SP.

House sparrow survey results can be sent in online by visiting the RSPB website http://www.rspb.org.uk/sparrowatch where the form will be available from May 1 until June 8, 2003.

Fact File

THE latin name for the house sparrow is passer domesticus.

The house sparrow is a familiar resident in towns, villages and countryside, despite declining numbers.

The bird breeds in roofs and building cavities, often in colonies.

The males' smart plumage boasts a grey crown, white cheeks and black bib. Females have a plain buffy breast and pale band behind the eyes to help distinguish them from the finch.

The house sparrow is approximately 14.5cm long.

May 1, 2003 11:00