JUST a handful of bird seed each day could hold the key to the survival of one of the country's most charismatic little birds, according to the RSPB.

A massive survey of house sparrows across the country carried out by the RSPB in May has revealed that they are far more likely to be seen, and more of them, in gardens where families put out food for birds.

More than a quarter of a million people took part in the society's house sparrow survey, recording an amazing 554,000 sparrows.

An average of more than seven house sparrows were recorded in gardens where food was put out all year, while an average of less than four were seen in gardens where birds were not fed.

Overall, the average number of sparrows in all the gardens were recorded was just under seven.

The results show that where sparrows are living and will be used by the RSPB to find out why house sparrow numbers are crashing in different areas - they have more than halved in the last 25 years.

RSPB spokesman Andy Walters said: "The results of the survey are fantastic and will help us probe deeper into the exact problems of this popular bird. The next question is why are sparrows living or not living in different areas - what is causing the difference."

He added: "Families can continue to help sparrows and other garden birds by following our three-point plan of planting lots of native flowers and shrubs, erect a nest box and put out good quality food and fresh water every day."