The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a small passerine bird found throughout Europe and Asia. It is one of the most widespread bird species in the world and has been introduced to many other parts of the globe by human activity. The Eurasian tree sparrow goes by many common names, the most widely used being “tree sparrow”. Other common names include Eurasian tree sparrow, tree sparrow, and German sparrow.
Quick Facts on the Eurasian Tree Sparrow
– Scientific Name: Passer montanus
– Other Names: Tree sparrow, Eurasian tree sparrow, German sparrow
– Size: 14-16 cm long, wingspan of 21-26 cm, weighs 24-39 g
– Identifying Features: Chestnut brown upperparts, black bib, white cheeks, grey crown
– Diet: Seeds of grasses and weeds, also insects
– Habitat: Farmlands, rural areas, parks, gardens
– Range: Widespread across Europe and Asia, introduced to parts of Africa, Americas, Australia
– Conservation Status: Least Concern
Common Name Origins
The Eurasian tree sparrow’s most widely used common name “tree sparrow” refers to its tendency to nest in cavities in trees. Unlike the similar looking house sparrow that nests in man-made structures, the Eurasian tree sparrow is more closely associated with trees.
The name “Eurasian tree sparrow” highlights the bird’s native range across Europe and Asia. This helps distinguish it from other tree sparrow species found in different parts of the world.
“German sparrow” is an older name used for the Eurasian tree sparrow, originating from its presence in Germany and confusion with the house sparrow which was once called the “German sparrow”.
Other Regional Names
The Eurasian tree sparrow is known by many regional common names within its wide natural range, including:
– French: Moineau friquet
– German: Feldsperling
– Spanish: Gorrión molinero
– Italian: Passera mattugia
– Russian: Полевой воробей
– Chinese: 田米雀
– Hindi: चीड़िया
Scientific Classification
The Eurasian tree sparrow’s scientific name is Passer montanus.
It is classified in the following scientific hierarchy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Genus: Passer
Species: Passer montanus
The genus name Passer indicates its grouping within the true sparrow genus. The specific epithet montanus means “of mountains” in Latin, referring to its presence in hilly regions.
Closely Related Species
The Eurasian tree sparrow’s closest relatives include:
– House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
– Spanish sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)
– Somali sparrow (Passer castanopterus)
– Sudan golden sparrow (Passer luteus)
– Dead sea sparrow (Passer moabiticus)
These species along with Eurasian tree sparrow make up the genus Passer in the sparrow family Passeridae.
Identifying Features and Characteristics
The Eurasian tree sparrow has distinctive physical features that help identify it in the field. Some key identifying characteristics include:
Size: About 14-16 cm in length with a wingspan of 21-26 cm. Weighs 24-39 g.
Coloring: Chestnut brown upperparts. Grey crown and white supercilium. Black bib/necktie. White cheeks. Pale underparts.
Beak: Conical beak, grey-black in color.
Legs and feet: Pinkish-brown legs and feet.
Sexual dimorphism: Difficult to distinguish between sexes. Males may have brighter plumage.
Juveniles: Duller plumage, lack bib.
Physical Feature | Description |
---|---|
Size | 14-16 cm long, 21-26 cm wingspan, 24-39 g weight |
Coloring | Chestnut brown upperparts, grey crown, black bib, white cheeks, pale underparts |
Beak | Conical grey-black beak |
Legs and feet | Pinkish-brown legs and feet |
Sexual dimorphism | Minimal differences. Males may be brighter. |
Juveniles | Duller plumage, lack bib |
Behavior and Ecology
The Eurasian tree sparrow exhibits the following behavioral traits and ecological preferences:
Habitat
Found in both rural and urban habitats including:
– Farmlands
– Orchards
– Vineyards
– Gardens
– City parks
– Woodland edges
Nests in cavities in trees, bird boxes, and buildings. Less reliant on man-made structures than house sparrow.
Diet
– Omnivorous but mainly granivorous
– Feeds on seeds of grasses, grains, weeds
– Also consumes berries, buds, small insects
Forages on the ground in flocks. Gregarious at feeding sites.
Breeding
Nesting: April to August. Cup nest built in cavity with grass, feathers, hair.
Clutch: 4-6 eggs. Pale blueish-white with dark speckles.
Incubation: By female for 10-14 days.
Fledging: Young leave nest at 13-17 days old.
Broods: 2-3 broods per breeding season.
Migration
Some populations migrate while others are resident year-round. Migratory patterns include:
– Northern populations migrate south for winter.
– Eastern populations migrate west to avoid harsh continental winters.
– Birds in mountainous areas move to lower elevations seasonally.
Behavior
– Social, gregarious
– Forms large winter flocks
– Communicates with variety of chips, chirps, and twitters
– Males sing from perches to defend nest sites
– Readily adapts to urban environments
– Introduced populations often outcompete native birds
Distribution and Habitat
The Eurasian tree sparrow has an extensive global range across Europe and Asia. Its distribution includes:
Native range:
– Across most of Europe, except Iceland and some islands
– Across northern Asia from eastern Siberia to Iran
– Parts of the Middle East and Central Asia
Introduced regions:
– Australasia (Australia, New Zealand)
– Southern Africa
– North America (limited areas of United States and Canada)
– South America (parts of Argentina and Brazil)
It is found in both rural and urban areas within its range, including:
– Farmlands, agricultural areas
– Orchards, vineyards, plantations
– Rural settlements
– Urban parks and gardens
– Along forest edges and clearings
The species has declined in parts of Europe but remains widespread and abundant over much of its native and introduced range.
Native Habitat
In its native Eurasian range, the tree sparrow’s natural habitats include:
– Open deciduous and mixed woodlands
– Forest clearings and edges
– Riverine forests and scrublands
– Alpine shrublands and meadows
– Rural farmlands, orchards, vineyards
– Urban parks and gardens
It is closely associated with human settlements across much of its range.
Introduced Regions
Where introduced outside its native range, the tree sparrow commonly lives in:
– Farmlands, pastures, agricultural areas
– Orchards, vineyards, plantations
– Rural and urban settlements
– Parks, gardens
It has adapted well to human-altered environments in introduced regions.
Population and Conservation Status
Global Population
The global population of the Eurasian tree sparrow has not been quantified but the species is described as abundant and widespread over much of its range. The total number likely exceeds 100 million individual birds.
Some key points about its population include:
– Considered one of the most abundant bird species in the world
– Populations are stable or increasing in much of Asia
– Declining in parts of Europe, such as Western Europe
– Abundant introduced populations in Australia and New Zealand
Conservation Status
Due to its large and widespread population, the Eurasian tree sparrow is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
However, there is evidence of declining populations in some parts of its range, particularly Western Europe. Possible threats include:
– Changes in agricultural practices reducing food availability
– Competition with house sparrows where introduced
– Decline in suitable nesting sites in rural areas
– Predation by expanding goshawk populations in Europe
More research is needed to understand these localized declines.
Region | Population Trend |
---|---|
Global | Stable/Increasing |
Asia | Stable/Increasing |
Europe | Declining in parts of Western Europe |
Introduced regions | Increasing, abundant in Australia/New Zealand |
Significance to Humans
The Eurasian tree sparrow has both positive and negative interactions with humans.
Positive Associations
– Help control agricultural pests by eating insects and weed seeds
– Pollination of plants through feeding on pollen and nectar
– Popular garden and park bird appreciated for its chirping
– Subject of arts, culture, folklore, and children’s media like cartoons
Negative Interactions
– Can damage fruit crops by pecking ripe fruit
– Flock feeding habits can leave little food for other birds
– Introduced birds can displace native species and spread disease
– Considered agricultural pest in parts of its range
– Reservoir of bird diseases that can affect poultry
In Culture
– Symbol of diligence and productive work in some cultures
– Featured in Japanese manga like “Azumanga Daioh”
– Subject of poems, books, stamps, and other cultural works in Europe and Asia
Despite some harmful impacts, the Eurasian tree sparrow remains a charismatic and familiar bird to many humans across its range. Protecting nesting habitats can help offset declining populations.
Conclusion
The Eurasian tree sparrow is best known by its common name “tree sparrow”. It is a small passerine readily identified by its chestnut brown plumage, black bib, and grey crown. Native across temperate Eurasia, it has been widely introduced around the world. An abundant species adapted to both rural and urban habitats, the tree sparrow is classified as Least Concern but has declined in parts of Europe. Maintaining nest sites, food sources, and native biodiversity are key to ensuring the health of both native and introduced tree sparrow populations.