Tree Sparrow Passer Montanus
This small, tidy looking bird has suffered a drastic decline in numbers since 1970. By erecting several nesting boxes, you are more likely to see one.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Having undergone the most significant decline of our commoner species with a reduction of 85% in numbers in Britain between the two breeding atlas periods (1968-72 and 1988-91), the species is now on the red list and is also a listed species under the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan.
How to help
If you have tree sparrows nearby then the erection of good numbers of nest-boxes and all year round seed feeders can really make a difference. As tree sparrows are colonists then a good number of boxes need to be erected. If you find tree sparrows nesting in nearby farmland, then try and encourage your local farmer to leave the hedgerows to grow, and the mature trees standing.
Rose Little
Information on the Tree Sparrow
How to recognise
This species is superficially like the male house sparrow, and is similar in size but a little more compact. It is, however, readily separated by a distinctive chestnut cap, very white cheeks which border a centred and isolated black spot just below the eye. Tree sparrows also have a small neat black bib below the bill and all of these features result in a generally much tidier looking bird. Both male and female are alike.
With practice the call can be separated from house sparrow. The sparrow “chirping” of the tree sparrow is a more singular metallic "chip" and the flight call is a fast equally spaced ‘tek, tek’.
Where to see
The tree sparrow was once a very common bird in farmland habitat, where they could be found amongst most overgrown hedgerows, especially ones with occasional mature trees. During the winter, grain piles and spillages also use to see large gatherings of mixed tree and house sparrow flocks. Nowadays though, much smaller numbers can still be found in some of these suitable pockets of habitat.
If you visit areas with overgrown well-developed hedgerows that feature mature trees, then take the time to look for tree sparrows. Whilst they have become scarce, small numbers are spread widely across Norfolk. If you feed birds in a rural garden then look for this species when we have hard frosts or snow, this forces individuals to move from their normal areas and they do regularly turn up at feeders in these conditions. You may be surprised to find they are closer to home than you realised.
When to see
Tree sparrows can be seen all the year round but are generally easier when the leaves are off the trees and the hedgerows are bare. During the winter they will join mixed feeding flocks of finches and buntings especially if there is spilt grain, so any flocks should be carefully looked through. Other areas to check are game cover crops, especially if other birds are feeding in them.
If you visit during the spring/summer period then you must listen for the distinctive call of the tree sparrow, as the birds will often sit tight within the hedgerows. Tree sparrows are hole nesters and will readily use nest-boxes, so should you be fortunate enough to find some one with a small colony in nest-boxes – seeing them is made relatively easy.
Did you know?
The current population of tree sparrows in the UK is only about 3% of that of the 1970s, and it is now rarely seen in much of the south-west or north-west of Britain
Related questions
What does a house sparrow look like?
The adult male has a grey top to the head and a characteristic black ‘bib’ on his chest which is bolder in spring to attract a mate. The females and young birds are mainly sandy brown with darker streaks on the back and wings.
The much rarer tree sparrow can be confused with the house sparrow. However, tree sparrows are smaller and both sexes have a distinctive copper or chestnut brown cap to their heads, a white collar and a black spot on their cheeks. The tree sparrow is also much shyer and prefers to live in open farmland, isolated woods and disused quarries.
Where can I see tree sparrows in Norfolk?
The tree sparrow was once a very common bird in farmland habitat, where they could be found amongst most overgrown hedgerows, especially ones with occasional mature trees. During the winter, grain piles and spillages also used to see large gatherings of mixed tree and house sparrow flocks. Nowadays though, much smaller numbers are to be found in these habitats.
In North Norfolk the most well known site is Choseley which is just 1 mile south of Titchwell, where the species is still present in small numbers. The best areas to look are around the drying barns and surrounding hedgerows. You can also search the hedgerows around Choseley Farm at the crossroads intersection, this is approximately ½ mile south of the drying barns. If you visit this site please park sensibly and respect farmer’s land and resident’s privacy.
If you visit areas with overgrown well-developed hedgerows that feature mature trees, then take the time to look for tree sparrows. Whilst they have become scarce, small numbers are spread widely across Norfolk.
If you feed birds in a rural garden then look for this species when we have hard frosts or snow, this forces individuals to move from their normal areas and they do regularly turn up at feeders in these conditions. You may be surprised to find they are closer to home than you realised.
Surveying hedgerows – How do I find out what wildlife is found in our hedgerow?
It should not be underestimated how important hedgerows are for many different species of wildlife. Wildlife that once lived in the woodland that covered much of Britain has now been pushed into these far more linear habitats.
In the UK over 1,500 species of insect, 65 species of bird and 20 species of mammal have been recorded living in hedgerows. Several declining bird species, including yellowhammer, corn bunting, tree sparrow and turtle dove, nest in or close to Norfolk's hedges.
These linear habitats are a valuable source of food for many animals and act as wildlife 'corridors', allowing animals to travel from one habitat to another. Once you have begun surveying hedgerows in general (survey form q) you may like to have a go at surveying butterflies, mammals or birds found along your hedgerow.