Species Profile
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
Tree Sparrow
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Tree Sparrow
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Appearance
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is a small, compact bird with a chestnut-brown crown and nape. It has a distinctive black cheek patch, a white collar, and a neat black bib. The upperparts are brown with black streaks, while the underparts are pale grey.
Both sexes look alike, making identification straightforward. Juveniles have similar markings but appear duller overall, with less defined facial patterns. The plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with no seasonal variations.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Eurasian Tree Sparrows inhabit a wide range across Europe and Asia, from Portugal and the British Isles in the west to Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsula in the East. They prefer open woodlands, forest edges, farmland with scattered trees, and urban areas with suitable nesting cavities.
In the UK, they are more common in eastern and central England. The species has also been introduced to parts of Southeast Asia, parts of Australia and North America, where it has established populations in some regions.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Northern Ireland
Rutland
Cumbria
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Lancashire
Lincolnshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Stockton-on-Tees
Diet
Eurasian Tree Sparrows primarily feed on seeds and grains. Cereal crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rye are favoured, although they will feed on various weeds and wild plants.
They supplement their diet with insects and other invertrebrates, particularly during the breeding season, to feed their young. These sparrows often forage on the ground or in low vegetation and readily visit bird feeders in gardens.
Behaviour
Eurasian Tree Sparrows are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They have a bouncy, hopping gait when on the ground and fly with quick, fluttering wing beats.
These sparrows are known for their communal roosting behaviour, gathering in dense vegetation or cavities for protection at night.
Calls & Sounds
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow's call is a sharp, metallic 'chip' or 'teck', often repeated in quick succession. Their song is a simple, repetitive series of these calls, sometimes described as 'chup-chup-chup' or 'tsilp-tsilp-tsilp'.
During courtship, males produce a more rapid and varied version of this call. Other calls include churring, shrieking, and cheeping notes that are used to maintain contact with members of their flock, express alarm or distress, or beg for food.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Eurasian Tree Sparrows typically begins in April and can last until August. Males attract females with chirping displays and nest building. They usually mate for life, only accepting a new mate if a partner is lost.
These sparrows nest in cavities, including tree holes, old woodpecker nests, and artificial nest boxes. The nest is a dome-shaped structure made of grass, lined with feathers. Females lay 4-6 eggs, which are white or pale grey with brown speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-14 days. The young fledge after 15-18 days but continue to be fed by the parents for another week or two. Pairs often raise 2-3 broods per season.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Eurasian Tree Sparrow populations have declined in parts of Europe due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable nesting sites and promoting wildlife-friendly farming practices to support their populations.
Elevation
Up to 3,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other small raptors. Nest predators such as magpies, jays, and rodents also pose a threat to eggs and nestlings.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open woodlands, farmland edges, and urban parks
- Listen for their chirping calls, especially near nesting sites
- Observe feeders in gardens, where they often visit in small groups
- Check tree cavities and nest boxes during breeding season
- In the UK, distinguish them from the similar House Sparrow by their chestnut crown and black cheek spot
Did You Know?
- Eurasian Tree Sparrows can breed in their first year of life.
- They have been observed using discarded cigarette butts in their nests, possibly to repel parasites.
- In China, these sparrows were once considered agricultural pests, leading to widespread culling efforts.
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