The Eurasian tree sparrow is a passerine bird in the sparrow family with a rich chestnut crown and nape and a black patch on each pure white cheek. The sexes are similarly plumaged, and young birds are a duller version of the adult. 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 American tree sparrow. Although several subspecies are recognised, the appearance of this bird varies little across its extensive range.
Region
Temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds widely from western Europe across Siberia to East Asia, and south into parts of Southeast Asia. It occupies farmland, hedgerows, open woodland edges, rural settlements, parks, and gardens. Avoids dense forests and treeless high mountains, but adapts well to mixed agricultural mosaics. Introduced populations occur in a few regions, including the central United States.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Easily told from the House Sparrow by its rich chestnut cap and the distinctive black spot on a clean white cheek. It nests in cavities, walls, and nest boxes, often in loose colonies near farmland and villages. Although globally common, it has declined locally in parts of Europe due to agricultural intensification and habitat changes.
![Description of the house and Eurasian tree sparrows from the Systema naturae[9]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Linnaeuspage183.jpg/1280px-Linnaeuspage183.jpg)
Description of the house and Eurasian tree sparrows from the Systema naturae[9]
Urban nest under a roof tile of a wooden house in Japan
In flight
Museum de Toulouse
Fledgling
One adult and two juveniles
Nest box made of wood and concrete
A very social bird, no problem sharing a bird feeder
The Eurasian sparrowhawk is a widespread predator
A sick and dying individual, apathetic and unresponsive to touch.
![Winter stubble is a seasonal food resource.[74]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Stubble_below_Tinto.jpg/480px-Stubble_below_Tinto.jpg)
Winter stubble is a seasonal food resource.[74]
A horticultural pest, the common asparagus beetle is a regular prey item
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Gregarious outside the breeding season, forming flocks that forage in fields and around settlements. Typically nests in cavities in trees, buildings, or nest boxes; may nest semi-colonially. Pairs are generally monogamous, and both sexes help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of sharp, dry chips and chirps, often delivered in rapid bursts from a perch. Less varied than the House Sparrow, with harsh, metallic notes and constant contact calls within flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown, streaked upperparts with paler underparts; rich chestnut crown and nape; white cheeks each with a bold black spot; small black bib; narrow white wing bars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds of grasses, cereals, and weeds, supplemented by buds and small fruits. During the breeding season it takes numerous insects and other invertebrates, especially for nestlings. It readily visits grain stores and bird feeders where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in fields, stubble, and farmyards, and along hedgerows and roadsides. Also feeds in gardens and parks, particularly where open ground and shrubs are mixed.
