In answer to Art Mudge's question:

The British are much more concerned about the decline of House Sparrows than we are, so most of the research has been done in Britain.  Here are just a few references.  The first is a PhD thesis with links to other articles.  The second is an article in the "Guardian".  The third gives a little background.  I don't think there is a really definitive answer yet, but there are some plausible suggestions for the decline.  More study is needed and is continuing.

http://www.katevincent.org/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/20/wildlife-endangeredspecies
http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/house-sparrow.asp

Joanne Norton
Kendal at Hanover
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