As concrete houses proliferate
Urbanization in Pishdar leads to decline in sparrow populations
PISHDAR— In the bustling district of Pishdar in the eastern part of Sulaymaniyah province, a subtle but significant shift is underway.
The transition from traditional brick and wood houses to modern concrete buildings has not only altered the architectural landscape and visual aesthetics of the area but has also had a notable impact on the local sparrow populations.
Once abundant in urban areas, sparrows are now becoming increasingly scarce sights in Pishdar’s neighborhoods.
The change in architecture, with its structures devoid of the cozy nooks and crannies that sparrows favored for nesting, has forced these birds to seek refuge elsewhere.
In the past, the chirping and fluttering of sparrows were an integral part of daily life in Pishdar. They nested in the eaves and hollows of mud-brick houses, while residents often provided crumbs and grains, especially during harsh weather, supplementing their diet.
However, today, the urban landscape offers little hospitality to these small creatures. Sparrows have migrated to rural areas or places where livestock is kept, where they find the environment more conducive for nesting and foraging. Villages now witness sparrows congregating in groups, signaling a shift in their habitat preferences due to urbanization.
Characterized by their diminutive size, with males boasting vivid grey, brown, and black markings compared to the females’ lighter tones, sparrows are sociable birds known for their adept flying skills. They typically inhabit areas close to human settlements and farmlands, thriving on a diet primarily composed of seeds and insects.
Despite the challenges posed by urbanization, the pleasant chirps of sparrows still resonate, albeit from more distant locales. Their presence, once a constant in the urban fabric of Pishdar, serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between nature and human development.