Key Highlights
- The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) serves as the official state bird of Bihar.
- Bihar is divided into 38 districts, 101 subdivisions, and 535 community development blocks.
- Recent census data indicate a steep decline in House Sparrow numbers due to habitat loss, pollution, and dwindling food supplies.
- Effective conservation measures include reforestation, provision of water sources, and stricter regulations on pesticide usage.
Detailed Insights
Situated in eastern India, Bihar lies along the banks of the Ganges River and is bordered by Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Nepal, and Jharkhand—the latter having split off in 2000. With a population ranking third nationwide and an area ranking twelfth, the state exhibits a high population density and a predominantly youthful demographic. Hindi, complemented by Urdu, holds official language status.
Administratively, the 38 districts are further subdivided into 101 sub‑districts, which are organized into 535 community development blocks. This tiered structure facilitates localized governance and resource allocation.
The House Sparrow, a diminutive passerine belonging to the family Passeridae, is recognized worldwide for its adaptability. In Bihar, it thrives in both rural and urban settings, frequently nesting near human dwellings. Males display a glossy black crest and contrasting white throat, whereas females and juveniles show mottled ground‑colored plumage with subdued markings.
In recent years, several anthropogenic pressures—namely loss of suitable nesting sites owing to high‑rise construction, exposure to chemical pesticides, and reduced availability of insects and grains—have precipitated a decline in House Sparrow populations, not only within Bihar but across the sub‑continent.
Preserving this species is vital to sustaining ecological balance: the bird consumes insects, thereby controlling pest populations, and aids seed dispersal, supporting plant regeneration. Consequently, conservation incentives such as tree plantations, safe water provision, and public awareness programmes are recommended to support the species’ survival.
Key Concepts
House Sparrow – A small, globally common bird of the family Passeridae, known for its bright plumage and close association with human habitation.
Community Development Block – An administrative unit in India comprising several villages, designed to coordinate development efforts at a grassroots level.
Biodiversity – The variety and variability of life forms within a particular region, crucial for ecosystem resilience and ecological services.
Pesticide Impact – The detrimental effects of chemical insecticides on non‑target organisms such as birds, often leading to population declines and ecological imbalance.