A sparrow’s brown back and grey belly may seem ordinary, but these small birds play a big role in Hong Kong. They eat bugs, and they help flowers and plants to grow.
In honour of World Sparrow Day on March 20, Hong Kong artists are using this bird to help people learn more about the city. They are part of an art campaign helping people to appreciate how city life and nature coexist in the Tai Kok Tsui neighbourhood. It is called “Art for Renewal: Environmental Conservation in Action”.
David Chui is an artist who is leading birdwatching and sketching workshops in Tai Kok Tsui from now until July. He wants people to observe and draw the city’s birds so they can appreciate for urban wildlife.
“When we draw, we notice the intricate details ... Even the sparrow, often overlooked, has surprisingly complex patterns and textures,” the artist said.
“Observing their movements up close, I find them incredibly charming. The way they hop, eat and interact with people shows their unique character.”
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Hong Kong sparrows
The number of sparrows in a city can show whether the ecosystem is healthy. Since 2018, Hong Kong has had between 200,000 and 250,000 sparrows, according to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
John Chung Chun-ting is a research officer with the society. He said the 2024 population had dropped by nearly 30 per cent compared to the estimated 300,000 sparrows in 2016.
He explained that urban redevelopment and high-rise construction could be making it harder for sparrows to make their nests.
Plants are not the only spot for sparrows to build nests. The birds also make them on drains, vents, walls and air conditioning units. Thus, when buildings are torn down for redevelopment, it reduces the spots for their nests.
Hong Kong’s tall glass buildings are also dangerous for birds. The birdwatching society released a report about this last September. In one year, it recorded 309 cases of birds crashing with windows. More than 90 per cent of the birds died.
“Long-term monitoring is essential to understanding population trends and ensuring effective conservation efforts,” Chung said.
Look at the city through a bird’s eye
The “Art for Renewal” iniative is focused on Tai Kok Tsui because it is a place for many different people and animals.
Another highlight of the project was a live painting of a mural, called Bird Sight. It was painted at the Olympian City mall earlier this month by ArYu, who preferred to share only her nickname.
The mural shows the city from the perspective of a bird. ArYu hopes her painting can inspire people to look closely at their surroundings and think more about how to protect the animals and plants in Hong Kong.
“When I walked through this area, I noticed how old and new elements coexist in harmony,” she 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.”
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Reflect: What are the flowers, trees and birds you notice in your neighbourhood?
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Why this story matters: Hong Kong has many tall buildings for millions of humans to live, work and play. But the city is also home to many animals and plants. We must make sure that we take care of the natural environment around our home.
