Final answer:
The sparrow woman in the story helps Regina remember her family by evoking memories through the behaviors and fates of the birds, which are intricately linked to Sylvia's personal experiences and reflections.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story, the sparrow woman serves to remind Regina of her roots and the life she has led. The observations and reflection on the behaviors of the birds, such as the heron's departure when disturbed by the cat-birds or Sylvia's struggle to speak up about what she has witnessed, evoke memories that are deeply connected to Regina's family and past.
This connection is reinforced when Sylvia listens to the echo of the sportsman's whistle and recalls the sight of thrushes and sparrows with their songs hushed, further cementing the link between the birds and her personal experiences.