Eurasian Tree Sparrow Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A small, somewhat chubby songbird with a rounded head and short neck, and thick, conical bill.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Black-capped Chickadee, slightly smaller than a House Sparrow.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.5-5.9 in (14-15 cm)
    • Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz (18-28 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 in (20-22 cm)

  © David Irving / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Adults have a chestnut cap and black face with a black spot set in a white cheek. They are rich brown with dark streaking above and pale grayish white below. Juveniles are similar in pattern but much duller in color.

• Behavior

  Forages singly or in flocks, hopping on the ground to pick up seeds, grain, or insects, sometimes gleaning food from grasses or trees. Males display in spring and fall, much like House Sparrows, chirping and fluffing the plumage to attract a female. Gathers into flocks in fall through early spring, foraging and roosting communally.
• Habitat

  Nests and forages in farmland, parks, villages, and lightly wooded areas.