Tree Sparrow Essentials

Once a common bird of orchards and country gardens, the Tree Sparrow is now a very rare species in Britain. This contrasts widely with the same species at the other end of its range in South East Asia where it is very common even in large cities.

In Britain, it naturally nests in tree holes but as the countryside has been 'tidied up' and ageing orchards and trees have been removed so have the Tree Sparrows nest sites. They will however use 'hole-type' nest boxes but careful placement in country areas of suitable habitat with plenty of seclusion is essential. The required entrance hole size for the nest box is 32mm (1¼") diameter.

The Tree Sparrow has similar brown colouration to the more common and slightly larger House Sparrow, having a chestnut-brown mantle flecked with black and pale grey-brown breast. The distinguishing marks for the Tree Sparrow are a chestnut crown, double white wing bars and a black patch on the ear coverts.

Wild (free-living) Tree Sparrows consume a wide variety of seeds supplemented with invertebrate material, especially during the breeding season. They are ground-feeders and will most likely take Premium Wild Bird Food or Huskfree Advance.

Try these bird foods:

Tree sparrows seed mix original wild bird food.

Discover tips and inspiration for keeping your garden birds happy and healthy this season.

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