Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

Gealbhainn crann

Status: Local resident in the east of Ireland, scarce along the south and west coasts.

Conservation Concern: Amber-listed in Ireland due to a moderate ongoing decline in the European breeding population. The Irish population is considered to be stable.

Identification: Slightly smaller than the much commoner House Sparrow. Adult males and females are inseperable in the field. Adult Tree Sparrows have a brown cap on the head, which extends  to the nape. Has a large patch of white on the face, with a black smudge below the eye. Like the House Sparrow, adult Tree Sparrows have a black bib on the throat, but this never extends beyond the throat. The underparts are washed brownish, in contrast to House Sparrows pale grey. The upperparts are brown with some black streaking. Juvenile Tree Sparrows largely resemble adults, but have grey on the face instead of white.

Similar Species: House Sparrow, Dunnock

Call: Similar to those of House Sparrow, but can be separated with experience. A slightly nasal “chu-wit” is one of the more distinctive calls of the Tree Sparrow

Diet: Seeds, split grain, buds and some insects, especially when feeding young. Will use peanut feeder and takes all kinds of scraps from bird table.

Breeding: Rather local in Ireland, especially in the west and south of Ireland. Largely associated with cereal production. Like the House Sparrow, nests in cavity in building, especially under eaves or holes formed by missing brickwork. Will use nestboxes. Has declined in recent years - in some areas this may be due to lack of nest sites.

Wintering: Largely sedentary, but young birds may disperse to new areas. Occasionally joins large Finch flocks in stubble fields with spilt grain.

Where to See: North Slob in County Wexford is one of the best sites to see Tree Sparrows in Ireland.

Monitored by: Countryside Bird Survey.