General

Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Small, introduced sparrow with black-streaked red-brown upperparts, buff underparts and single white wing-bar. Head has chestnut-brown crown and small black mask, chin, and ear patches. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has dark mottling on crown, dark gray throat and ear patch.

Range and Habitat

Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Native of Europe and much of Asia; introduced to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1870. Preferred habitats include city parks, suburban areas, and farmlands.

Breeding and Nesting

Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Four to six brown-spotted, white to light gray eggs are laid in a nest made of straw, grass, feathers, weeds, and bits of debris, located in a cavity of a tree hollow, under a building eave, in a bird box, or in a rock crevice. Incubation ranges from 13 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Eats seeds and insects; forages on the ground and in trees.

Readily Eats

Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit

Vocalization

Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Makes a series of chirps and cheeps, with double "chissick", similar to House Sparrow, but harsher and higher pitched.

Similar Species

Eurasian Tree Sparrow: House Sparrow has gray crown, gray cheek patch, and black bib extending onto breast.