The European house sparrow is quite possibly the least glamorous, and least beloved of our birdlife here in New Zealand, besides pigeons.
But scientists are discovering that sparrows, who are our constant companions in city life, could tell us a lot about humans.
New research from Australia shows that the health of sparrows in an urban area can indicate pollution such as from mining, aluminium smelters, or even lead exposure. Harms which might be present, yet unidentified, in humans.
Simon Griffith is a professor of avian behavioural ecology at Macquarie University in Australia, and he joins Emile Donovan.
Photo: 123RF
