Tree sparrow Factfile
Latin name
Distribution
The Tree sparrow has suffered a huge decline in its population and range in recent decades, and is now found only in some parts of England, and in particular the Midlands and southern and eastern counties. There’s a small population in some areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Habitat
The preferred habitat of the Tree sparrow is generally open country with a good number of scattered trees, or on the edges of woodland or copses. Hedgerows on farmland are also a good habitat, and especially where there are mature trees for nesting in. Parks and gardens can also provide suitable habitat for Tree sparrows if there is suitable nesting sites, which can include nest boxes.
UK Population
The are around 245,000 breeding pairs of Tree sparrow in the UK.
Slightly smaller than a House sparrow and also less associated with human habitation, the Tree sparrow is a bird of open country with scattered mature trees, plus woodland edges and hedgerows. Along with its smaller size and generally different habitat, Trees sparrows are easy to distinguish from House sparrows by their black spot on each cheek. In addition, both sexes of Tree sparrow are virtually identical. In gardens but only in certain parts of the UK, Tree sparrows can fairly easily be attracted to hanging tube seed feeders.
Video footage of Tree sparrows
Tree sparrow nesting and breeding habits
Tree sparrows, as the name suggests, nest in holes in trees. They’ll also use holes in walls and banks, and there are records of them occupying holes within Sand Martin colonies. Nest boxes will also be used by Tree sparrows, with the ideal hole size being 28mm (locate the box out of direct sunlight and about 2 metres off the ground). The nest of the Tree sparrow is a rather untidy structure consisting of twigs and plant stems, and lined with feathers or other soft material which is available. Tree sparrows have two to three broods are normal with 5-6 eggs in each. Both male and female Tree sparrow take part in the nest building, incubation and feeding the young birds.
Tree sparrow history and population trends
The trend for Tree sparrows over the last forty years or so has been a very sad one, with a massive decline in numbers – albeit the population has gone through a small recovery since the mid-1990s. None the less, for every Tree sparrow now there were probably 30 in the early 1970s.
Behaviour traits of Tree sparrows
A gregarious species and especially outside of the breeding season, in the winter months Tree sparrows will often form fairly large flocks which may include House sparrows and different species of finch. Historically, stubble fields were a key winter feeding ground and where the mixed flocks could be observed, with the loss of this habitat due to modern farming practices being a likely contributory factor in the Tree sparrow’s decline.
Tree sparrow diet and food
Seeds, grain, insects and insect larvae makes up the main diet of the Tree sparrow, with much of this food taken on or near the ground. Despite this, Tree sparrows will readily come onto hanging seed feeders, and have a particular liking for red millet.
What should I feed Tree sparrows?
We recommend red millet to help attract Tree sparrows to your garden if they are present in your area, though the species will also readily eat sunflower hearts and most seed mixes.
Bird Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tree sparrows visit gardens?
Yes, Tree sparrows do visit gardens, though as the species is very localised and typically doesn’t travel very far, it will only be seen in areas where there is an established population – which is anyway always a rural area and not urban.
Are sparrows protected in the UK?
Yes, both Tree and House sparrow are protected by law in the UK, as indeed are all songbirds.
Where do Tree sparrows spend the night?
Tree sparrows spend the night in holes in trees, nest boxes and also hedgerows.
Do Tree sparrows nest twice a year?
Tree sparrows usually nest two or three times a year.
Do Tree sparrows leave the UK in the winter?
No, Tree sparrows do not leave the UK in winter.
Tree sparrow V House sparrow
Tree sparrows are very easy to identify versus House sparrows. The main feature to look at is the side of the face, where the Tree sparrow has a distinct black spot set on a white patch on each cheek, whereas House sparrows do not. Tree sparrows also have a chestnut colour to the top of their head, which House sparrows do not have. Both male and female Tree sparrows look the same, whereas male and female House sparrows are different. Tree sparrows are smaller than House Sparrows.