As sparrows' numbers decline, here's how to support them 

Many bird populations are in decline, sparrows included. Here is how we can support them in our gardens 

Sparrows' numbers are declining in Europe. Pictures: Alamy/PA

Sparrows may feel commonplace, flocks of them chattering together and whooshing from tree to bush to bird feeder, crowding out the smaller, more colourful birds in your garden. 

But a new study has found the house sparrow has suffered a huge population decline across Europe, amounting to 247 million fewer house sparrows than there were flying about in 1980.