7/12/2023 0 Comments Tree sparrowThe Eurasian tree sparrow is 12.5–14 cm (5– 5 + 1⁄ 2 in) long, with a wingspan of about 21 cm (8.3 in) and a weight of 24 g (0.85 oz), making it roughly 10% smaller than the house sparrow. In eastern Asia and western Australia, this species is sometimes viewed as a pest, although it is also widely celebrated in oriental art. The Eurasian tree sparrow's extensive range and large population ensure that it is not endangered globally, but there have been large declines in western European populations, in part due to changes in farming practices involving increased use of herbicides and loss of winter stubble fields. The Eurasian tree sparrow is widespread in the towns and cities of eastern Asia, but in Europe it is a bird of lightly wooded open countryside, with the house sparrow breeding in the more urban areas. As with other small birds, infection by parasites and diseases, and predation by birds of prey take their toll, and the typical life span is about two years. This sparrow feeds mainly on seeds, but invertebrates are also consumed, particularly during the breeding season. The typical clutch is five or six eggs which hatch in under two weeks. The Eurasian tree sparrow's untidy nest is built in a natural cavity, a hole in a building or the disused nest of a European magpie or white stork. Although several subspecies are recognised, the appearance of this bird varies little across its extensive range. This sparrow breeds over most of temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia, where it is known as the tree sparrow, and it has been introduced elsewhere including the United States, where it is known as the Eurasian tree sparrow or German sparrow to differentiate it from the native unrelated American tree sparrow. The sexes are similarly plumaged, and young birds are a duller version of the adult. The species invests very little effort in post-fledging care, seeming to rely on an abundant supply of insects close to the nest for the newly independent youngsters to feed on, and some studies suggest that high juvenile mortality may be a factor in the species’ decline.The Eurasian tree sparrow ( Passer montanus) is a passerine bird in the sparrow family with a rich chestnut crown and nape, and a black patch on each pure white cheek. Very sensitive to disturbance at the nest and may abandon even when the chicks are close to fledging.įood: A mix of seeds, buds and berries with some invertebrates.Ĭall: Similar chirps to the more familiar House Sparrow, but with a more nasal or electronic sound.Ĭharacteristics: Tree Sparrows are usually found close to damp hedges or open woodland in arable landscapes, and are absent from large areas of south west England, west Scotland, all of Wales and most of Ireland apart from a narrow strip along the north and east coast.Ĭolonies will often grow over several years before suddenly collapsing. Usually two, sometimes three broods each year. May also nest in dense cover in suitable habitat.Įggs: 5-6 dark brown, heavily speckled. An untidy grassy construction with a dense lining of feathers. Nesting: Usually in a nest box (28mm entrance or larger) or a natural cavity. Habitat: Open woodland, preferably damp, and typically in arable farmland. Tree Sparrows have a chestnut crown and, the key field mark, dark cheek patches on white cheek patches, which creates the impression that they are wearing headphones. They are similar in appearance to House Sparrows, but a closer look will show that the birds are very uniform as both sexes have the same plumage (House Sparrows have separate male and female plumages). The European population, of this bird, is regarded as “Of concern” by BirdLife International.
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