Declining Field Sparrow

Field sparrows are a childhood favorite in part because an adult with fledged young will step out ahead of any farmer's young son or daughter, faking a wing injury to lure you away away from its own young.

And they're on the long, long list of beloved birds we have driven into decline.

Habitat loss is the cause. Like farmer's sons and farmer's daughters, farm land suitable for them to thrive is growing scarce. They do not, however, require much.

We can save them so that future generations also learn the importance of parental sacrifice from their unfailing, natural example.