Smaller than a house sparrow and more active, with its tail almost permanently cocked. It has a chestnut brown head and nape (rather than grey), and white cheeks and collar with a contrasting black cheek spot. They are shyer than house sparrows in the UK and are not associated with man, although in continental Europe they often nest in buildings just like house sparrows.
The UK tree sparrow population has suffered a severe decline, estimated at 93 per cent between 1970 and 2008. However, recent Breeding Bird Survey data is encouraging, suggesting that numbers may have started to increase, albeit from a very low point.
Key ID Features:
Slightly smaller and neater than House Sparrow it is much rarer in the UK with isolated populations not normally associated with human residences.
It shares the brown, dark streaked back of House Sparrow but the chocolate brown head, white cheeks framing a black cheek patch, white wing bar and pale underparts are distinctive.
Sexes are similar, both sporting black bib which does not extend to chest.
Overview
Scientific name: Passer montanus.
Family: Sparrows (Passeridae)
Where to see them:
The tree sparrow is scarcer in the uplands, and the far north and west of the UK. The main populations are now found across the Midlands, southern and eastern England. It is almost absent from the south west, Wales and the north west. Best looked for in hedgerows and woodland edges.
Seen in UK:
All year-round.
What they eat
The tree sparrow is scarcer in the uplands, and the far north and west of the UK. The main populations are now found across the Midlands, southern and eastern England. It is almost absent from the south west, Wales and the north west. Best looked for in hedgerows and woodland edges..
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
