Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Least ConcernPasser montanus
Visual Identification
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow typically lives for 2 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13.1 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
PasseridaePredators
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.
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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.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Passer montanus (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22718270A119216586.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source