How often do you see movies ?How often do you stand in the terrace or in a vast open field, hearing the voices of birds and nature ? – do you feed them ? – do you feel that it has become difficult to spot House Sparrows these days !!
Likely you saw and enjoyed Rajnikant starrer – S Shankar directed ‘Robot’ -Enthiran which showcased artificial intelligence, scientific ambition and the ethical consequences of creating a machine with human-like emotions. Its sequel - 2.0’s (2018) central theme was the conflict between technological expansion and ecological responsibility. It raised concerns about mobile phones, electromagnetic radiation and the alleged effects on birds, especially sparrows.
Here is somewhat bird looking much like a Common Sparrow.They belong to the same order of birds, Passeriformes, commonly called perching birds or passerines. But they belong to two different families. They are relatives in the broad classification sense, but not particularly close relatives.
The one pictured here perched on a tree near my home is a Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer).
One could observe the prominent black crest, dark head, brown body with pale scale-like feather markings, and, most importantly, the conspicuous red patch beneath the tail (the vent). Both are Red-vented Bulbuls.
The sparrow is much more associated with human dwellings. It readily nests in holes, roof spaces, building crevices and other sheltered places. The bulbul, on the other hand, prefers shrubs, bushes and trees for nesting. It is also a much more accomplished fruit eater.Here are some details of the Bird :
Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus, 1766) | Species
• Tamil name: சின்னான் (Chinnaan).
• Scientific name: Pycnonotus cafer.
• Size: Approximately 20 cm, including its tail.
• Family: Pycnonotidae.
Incidentally, it is lack of space, change in its resting places, cutting of trees, non availability of food and the like that have contributed to reducing birds and not exactly the presence of Cell phone towers. Ornithologists have identified loss of nesting spaces, reduction in insect food, pesticides, urbanisation and changing building designs as important factors in sparrow decline.
Interesting !
Regards – S Sampathkumar7.11.2026
