A sparrow’s brown back, black streaks and grey belly may seem ordinary, but these small birds play a crucial role in urban ecology – pollinating flowers and ridding the streets of pests.
In honour of World Sparrow Day, which was March 20, Hong Kong artists are using this bird to reimagine the connection between urban spaces and ecology.
They have been brought together by “Art for Renewal: Environmental Conservation in Action”, a campaign encouraging people to appreciate the coexistence of city life and nature in the Tai Kok Tsui neighbourhood.
Urban sketcher David Chui is leading a series of birdwatching and sketching workshops in Tai Kok Tsui in collaboration with the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. From now until July, he is inviting workshop participants to observe and illustrate the city’s birds, fostering a deeper appreciation for urban wildlife.
“When we draw, we notice the intricate details ... Even the sparrow, often overlooked, has surprisingly complex patterns and textures,” Chui explained.
“Observing their movements up close, I find them incredibly charming. The way they hop, eat and interact with people shows their unique character.”
For Chui, his urban sketches are more than an exercise in observation – they are a way to build connections.
“Through my paintings, I hope to help people experience another world – a world of colours and beauty. By appreciating nature’s artistry, we deepen our awareness of conservation,” he said.
Why urban birds are important
Sparrows are helpful environmental indicators as their population trends reflect the health of urban ecosystems.
Since 2018, Hong Kong has maintained a sparrow population between 200,000 and 250,000, according to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
John Chung Chun-ting, a research officer of the society, said the 2024 population had dropped by nearly 30 per cent compared to the estimated 300,000 sparrows in 2016.
“While the exact causes remain unclear due to survey limitations, urban redevelopment and high-rise construction may be reducing viable nesting spaces,” he said.
Sparrows build nests not only on plants but also on drains, vents, walls and air conditioning units. Thus, their numbers are sensitive to redevelopment and a reduction of green spaces.
Hong Kong’s towering glass buildings also pose a threat to bird populations. A report from the birdwatching society released last September recorded 309 cases of birds colliding with windows in one year. Nearly 30 per cent involved conservation species, and over 90 per cent of the birds were found dead.
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To deepen public engagement in bird conservation, the group organises volunteers to conduct an annual census of common urban bird species, including sparrows and doves. The 2024 survey saw a record-high post-pandemic participation of 250 volunteers.
“Long-term monitoring is essential to understanding population trends and ensuring effective conservation efforts,” Chung said.
Among the 18 districts surveyed, Tuen Mun had the highest concentration of sparrows, averaging 90 per route. In Yau Tsim Mong, where Tai Kok Tsui is located, the survey found an average of 44 sparrows per route.
Of the survey’s six categories of land, sparrows were most commonly found in residential, rural and recreational areas, with residential zones alone housing an estimated 66,000 birds – nearly 30 per cent of the total population.
Look at the city through a bird’s eye
The “Art for Renewal” campaign is part of a larger community art initiative, “RE: Tai Kok Tsui”, run by the Hong Kong Arts Centre and sponsored by the Urban Renewal Fund.
Gordon Lo, the project director of “RE: Tai Kok Tsui”, explained why the initiative was focused on this area.
“We see Tai Kok Tsui as a microcosm of Hong Kong – where residential, commercial and industrial areas converge. It includes reclaimed land and reflects a dense, layered relationship between old and new communities,” he said.
Another highlight of the initiative was a live painting of a mural that uses the city’s birds to bring attention to environmental conservation.
At the Olympian City mall earlier this month, local comic artist ArYu, who preferred to use only her nickname, introduced Bird Sight, a painting that offered a bird’s-eye view of the city. Through this piece, she hoped to inspire the public to observe their surroundings more attentively and raise awareness of urban ecological conservation.
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“When I walked through this area, I noticed how old and new elements coexist in harmony,” ArYu shared. “I wanted to depict the city from a bird’s perspective. Since so many different things come together here, if I were a bird, this would also be my home.”
She explained the meaning behind her painting: “How would I view this city? The idea is: you don’t disturb me; I don’t disturb you. I can live here freely and naturally.”
Erica Chui Cheuk-wah, the chief executive and board secretary of the Urban Renewal Fund, emphasised that all of these art projects showed “a commitment to cultural heritage and ecological coexistence”.
“Our goal is to preserve the district’s unique history,” she said. “By fostering a cityscape that coexists with nature, this initiative not only highlights Tai Kok Tsui’s cultural identity but also addresses ecological needs.”
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Stop and think: Why does the bird watching society keep track of sparrows in Hong Kong?
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Why this story matters: Hong Kong is a mixture of urban and natural environments, and we must be mindful of this balance as we share this space with other animals. Art projects like these help people to be more aware of the animals and plants in their urban spaces.
