Nestled in the tranquil countryside, the charming Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) stands out from its city-dwelling cousin. Smaller, trimmer, and more reserved, this feathered gem can often be spotted in orchards, hedgerows, or along woodland edges. Though it may be easily mistaken for the House Sparrow, a closer look reveals the Tree Sparrow's neat plumage and distinctive features, inviting us to appreciate its unique allure.
Recognizing a Tree Sparrow is easy if you focus on three foolproof characteristics.
It also has a double white wing bar that is often more prominent than on its cousin.
To end any hesitation, here is a summary of the fundamental differences between Tree Sparrows and House Sparrows.
This distinction is the most important one for all birdwatchers. The presence of a brown cap and a cheek spot is a guaranteed sign of a Tree Sparrow.
For a more detailed analysis of the more widespread species, we invite you to read our complete guide on the House Sparrow.
The Tree Sparrow is much more rural than the House Sparrow. It generally avoids the heart of large cities and prefers semi-open environments:
It is also shier and less noisy than the House Sparrow. It often nests in small, loose colonies.
The Tree Sparrow is a cavity-nesting bird. It builds its nest in a natural cavity, such as a hole in a tree, a crack in an old wall, or under the tiles of a barn. It also readily accepts nest boxes, provided the entrance hole is the right size (around 1.1-1.25 inches or 28-32 mm). The nest is an untidy structure of dry grass, straw, and feathers.
The Tree Sparrow is undergoing a sharp decline in many parts of Europe and is a species of concern in some areas. It is much more sensitive than the House Sparrow to changes in its environment. The main threats are:
Putting up suitable nest boxes is a concrete and effective way to support local populations of this charming and discreet bird.