© Sparrow by Sarah Sidgwick Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Tree Sparrows are scarce birds of farmland, hedgerows and woodland edges and are not associated with man in the way that the House Sparrow is in the UK. © Sparrow by Sarah Sidgwick Tree Sparrows mate for life; they nest in holes in trees and can produce two or three broods a year, each containing up to seven eggs. They eat seeds, weeds, cereals and also insects. How to Identify Male and female Tree Sparrows look the same, with chestnut-brown crowns, chestnut backs, buff undersides, white cheeks and a black cheek-spot. They can be distinguished from the male House Sparrows by the brown cap, instead of grey, and by presence of the black cheek-spot. Where to Find Widespread in England, southern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. How People Can Help Once a common bird of farmland and grassland habitats, the Tree Sparrow is declining at an alarming rate – populations have decreased by 97% over the past 40 years in England alone. Changing agricultural practices and urbanisation have taken their toll. But The Wildlife Trusts are helping to protect Tree Sparrows by working closely with farmers, landowners and developers to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? In parts of Asia, Tree Sparrows are the common city sparrows, rather than birds of the rural countryside. Key FactsLength: 14cmWingspan: 21cmWeight: 24gAverage Lifespan: 2 years Donate Donate to help support Tree Sparrow and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Redwing Birds Robin Birds Rook Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Starling Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Treecreeper Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whitethroat Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Wren Birds