site.btaVolunteers Count Sparrows across Bulgaria amid Long-Term Decline in Numbers

Volunteers across Bulgaria have counted nearly 3,600 sparrows at 278 locations as part of the annual We Count Sparrows campaign which highlighting both public engagement and ongoing concerns about urban biodiversity. Information about the campaign was made public Tuesday by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds.

House sparrows made up the vast majority, accounting for just over 80% of sightings, followed by tree sparrows and a small number of Spanish sparrows.

A 21-year monitoring study shows that Bulgaria’s house sparrow population has dropped by around 50% since 2005.

On average, volunteers observed 12 birds per location. The highest single count - 152 sparrows - was recorded in the village of Milevo, while the largest totals in urban areas came from Sofia and Varna. Organizers also noted a growing number of participants from smaller towns and villages this year.

Most birds were spotted in residential yards, which accounted for nearly half of all observations. Apartment building spaces, parks, and quiet streets followed, underscoring the importance of green areas in supporting wildlife in cities.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the link between birds and urban living conditions. Sparrows, commonly found in cities, are considered an indicator species: declines in their populations can signal broader environmental issues that may also affect human quality of life.

As part of this year’s initiative, educational events were held in Sofia on April 18, where children took part in interactive activities, including crafting sparrow-themed masks, to learn more about the birds and their role in the urban ecosystem, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds said.