Despite the popularity of the sparrow and blackbird, their populations are declining dramatically. For example, the sparrow population in France has declined significantly over the past 22 years and in Germany there are significantly fewer blackbirds in several places. Also, the number of blackbirds (in the Netherlands alone) has declined by a third since 2016. Research was therefore started last year. The risk of blackbird mortality is already much greater during the breeding season, but the Usutu virus has also struck hard from 2016 to 2019 (among blackbirds and sparrows) and the urbanization of gardens is a major factor. So the main reasons for mortality and decline of populations are actually the decrease in food and lack of nesting opportunities.

You can help increase the food supply and the number of safe nesting places. We have listed the 13 most interesting facilities for sparrows and blackbirds for you.

The more, the merrier

House sparrows are always sociable wherever they live, as they prefer to nest together in clusters. With this in mind, we have developed three sparrow flats that meet the needs of house sparrows. They have three separate nesting compartments, the box can be cleaned in the autumn by means of a door on the front or side, and the boxes have a flight opening of 32 mm diameter.

Sparrows are also known as versatile eaters, which means that they can eat while hanging or sitting down. In the air, on the table, on the wall or on the ground. These gluttons are not too picky and will eat seeds, sunflower seeds, fat (balls) and peanut butter, nuts, fruit as well as insects.

Make the blackbird feel comfortable

With a bird-friendly garden, you might even save the lives of blackbirds. Climbing ivy, trees, (dense) shrubs, a lawn and corners with leaves in the garden provide shelter, a feeling of security and nutrition. Blackbirds are thus more likely to come to shelter, eat, drink and perhaps even nest. Just like the robin, the blackbird is a hole-breeder, so if there is a lack of bushes or dense vegetation, the blackbird will also look for a nesting box with an open structure.

Feeding blackbirds (parents) can not do any harm. The shape of the blackbirds beak shows what the birds prefers to eat. A blackbird is a fan of snails and insects and easily pulls earthworms out of the ground with its long pointed beak. They also like to eat nuts, fruit and seeds from time to time. A blackbird is a real scavenger and prefers to pick its food from the ground or from the (feeding) table. Want to help this bird? Then do not hang a feeding system for them, but offer it on a (feeding) table or on the ground.

Also curious about the eating patterns of other birds? Take a look at our inspiration page 'which bird eats what' and discover which food and feeding systems fit in well with your range. Would you like to set up a complete shelf especially for sparrows or blackbirds? Please contact us, we can help.