Eurasian Tree Sparrow Bird Facts (Passer montanus)

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

12.5cm to 14cm

Wingspan

20cm to 22cm

Weight

19g to 25g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Black White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 3,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Tree Sparrow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Afghanistan Andorra Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bulgaria Canada Christmas Island Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark East Timor (Timor-Leste) Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary India Iran Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia Malta Moldova Netherlands Portugal Romania Russia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland The United Kingdom Turkey Ukraine United States of America

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Albania Armenia Australia Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Brunei Cambodia China Faroe Islands Georgia Hong Kong Indonesia Japan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Laos Liechtenstein Malaysia Micronesia Mongolia Montenegro Myanmar Nepal North Korea Norway Philippines Poland Russia Serbia Singapore South Korea Spain Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Vietnam

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Iraq Sudan Syria

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Algeria Egypt Gibraltar Iceland Israel Lebanon Morocco Tunisia United Arab Emirates

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow demonstrates considerable agility with its bouncy, hopping gait and quick, fluttering flight. Its ability to navigate through various habitats, from open woodlands to urban areas, suggests good manoeuvrability.

Strength 30

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small bird weighing between 19-25 grams, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow has limited strength. However, it possesses enough power to forage effectively and construct nests, which requires some degree of physical capability.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

This species shows remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from woodlands to urban environments. Its ability to utilise various nesting sites, including artificial nest boxes, and its successful introduction to new regions demonstrate high adaptability.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not typically aggressive, Eurasian Tree Sparrows display some territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their social nature and tendency to form flocks suggest a generally peaceful disposition, but they may defend nesting sites when necessary.

Endurance 60

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow's endurance is moderate. Its ability to undertake multiple breeding attempts in a season and survive in various climates indicates decent stamina. However, as a small bird, its overall endurance is limited compared to larger species.

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.

Vocalisation

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 and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

191,000,000 - 306,000,000 individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Tree Sparrow

Family:

Passeridae

Average Lifespan

2 years

Max Lifespan

13.1 years ^[4]

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.

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.

FAQs

How to attract Tree Sparrows?

Tree Sparrows rarely visit gardens and are difficult to attract in suburban areas. Farmers and landowners with large properties can attract these birds by setting out nest boxes to encourage a breeding colony and placing bird feeders in hedgerows.

Tree Sparrows show a preference for red millet, and their ideal nest box has an entrance hole with a 28-millimetre diameter and a total depth of about 20 centimetres.

Are Tree Sparrows bad?

Tree Sparrows can damage food crops in some parts of the world and were even the subject of an intensive eradication program in China in the mid-20th century.

However, they are not considered destructive in the United Kingdom and have not spread to become invasive and destructive in the USA like their relative, the House Sparrow.

References

1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Passer montanus (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22718270A119216586.
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3
report, 2015: EBCC
4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source