World Sparrow Day | AI tool for awareness and conservation

What do sparrows eat? How do they build a nest? Why are sparrows declining? How can we help bring the birds back? As one types the questions, a ‘sparrow assistant’ pops up on the screen with answers. To mark World Sparrow Day 2026 (March 20), Coimbatore-based NGO Chittukuruvigal Arakkattalai (Sparrow Trust India) has introduced an AI assistant to turn the spotlight on conservation.

The website chittukuruvigalarakkattalai.com powered by a dedicated sparrow AI assistant answers common questions on sparrow behaviour, nesting, safe feeding, and urban conservation practices. The assistant is designed as an always-available digital volunteer to support schools, nature clubs, resident associations and media with quick, reliable guidance on sparrow-friendly actions.

“The initiative is to show our respect for Nature, the house sparrow, and 12 years of our work in conservation,” says N Dhanasekar, founder of the trust. House sparrows that once hopped around in our neighbourhoods with their pink legs and brown body not more than 15 centimetres long, can now be spotted only at select green pockets along the Western Ghats. “In Coimbatore, we can see them at rural areas and hill stations like Kotagiri and Coonoor, where there is ample greenery, banyan trees or public distribution shops. They chirrup as they peck on grains and build their nests on sun shades and thatched roofs,” says Dhanasekar adding that though the house sparrow population may have stabilised now, their initiatives focus on sustainable long-term conservation.

The AI-driven tool for sparrow conservation
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Besides conservation measures like awareness meetings and camps at educational institutions and Government schools, they also distribute nest boxes and bird feeders. Looking back on their over a decade-long journey to bring sparrows back, Dhanasekar says they have supported houses, schools and institutions with specially -designed sparrow nest boxes in Coimbatore and surrounding areas and have scaled up beyond Tamil Nadu. “Our nest boxes now reach places like Jaipur, Kolkata, and Belagavi to name a few. Recently, we received a call from a person in Delhi, thrilled to announce that two sparrows have started using the nest box.”

As high-rise buildings and modern concrete structures discourage nesting of birds, the solution lies in artificial nest boxes. Made of pine wood, it is designed to provide comfortable nesting. It can be kept on terraces, windows and compound walls. As the opening of the nest is just about 1.5 inches wide, it prevents the entry of other predators like mynas, shikras and crows.

N Dhanasekar, founder of the trust
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

This year, Dhanasekar has also introduced a digital heat map on the website that tracks every registered nest box installation. “This allows us to monitor sparrow visitation trends reported by beneficiaries. The heat map will help us understand which neighbourhoods are becoming sparrow-friendly, identify gaps, and plan further awareness and habitat improvement drives,” he explains. Anyone can register for the nest box on their website and become a part of the monitoring programme. The data also helps strengthen urban bird conservation science across India.

The continuous chirping of the house sparrow on the website and digital platforms helps people reconnect with nature’s soundscape. Users can play this sound across their gadgets at home, in offices and in public spaces to experience a natural ambience and attract sparrow visits where habitat conditions are suitable. Dhanasekar adds, “We encourage schools and eco-clubs to use this feature during nature awareness sessions, helping children learn to identify and appreciate the call of the house sparrow.”

For partnerships, school programmes, bulk nest box requests, write to chittukuruvigaltrust@ gmail.com. Visit chitukuruvigalarakkattalai.com