The tree sparrow is facing extinction – its numbers fell by 95 per cent between 1970 and 1998.

But now the council has been given £6,300 by refuse collectors Sita to fund a project to increase the number of tree sparrows in the region's only remaining site near Clifton, Brighouse.

Hugh Firman, conservation officer at the council, said: "They are recognised as a national priority species.

"What was once a widespread species in Calderdale is now down to its last nesting site.

"It's our responsibility to make sure they don't disappear in the region."

Work is being carried out with the Calderdale Bird Conservation Group, which helps the council install nesting boxes, provide seed and tag the birds so their progress can be monitored.

The group has provided a further £696 towards the project.

Sean Gray, from the group, said: "This project is about making sure they stay in Calderdale.

"Every species of bird is at risk but the tree sparrow is on the red list so it's critical we do something about it now."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has given its backing to the scheme.

Spokesman Chris Collett said: "The Calderdale project is good news and hopefully can do some good for tree sparrows in that region."

Comment

The signs

• Tree sparrows are often confused with the more common house sparrow, pictured, but they are smaller, more active and have no grey on their heads.


• They have 68,000 territories in the UK and eat seeds and insects.


• They live among house sparrows, finches, and buntings.


• Their decline is blamed on intensive agriculture, hedgerow clearance, the loss of old trees and conversion of farm buildings to homes.


• The male and female have the same plumage.