The house sparrow project
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of many farmland species that has declined due to the last four decades of agricultural intensification. In this project we aim at understanding the mechanisms and relationship between the population decline and the changing surroundings. Within the CAnMove network we are working with questions regarding short distance movement, both dispersal and foraging behavior. The house sparrow is a very sedentary species which can make it vulnerable to landscape changes even at small spatial scales.
We are using mark-recapture methods, both color rings and passive ID-tags to identify the birds when investigating movement and dispersal patterns. We also use DNA analysis to investigate possible population differentiation as a consequence of low dispersal due to increased distances between suitable habitats.
Learn more about the project on YouTube! (in Swedish)
Color markings and ID-tags
A male house sparrow with individual color markings as well as an ID-tag (ID-tags supplied from CorerFid). The color markings help us identify birds with binoculars at a distance and the tags can help us monitor bird movements at a longer distance with the help from reading stations. Photo: Maria von Post- 1 of 4
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