Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus· 雀科(1 photos)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
13-15 cm. Bill black, smaller than House Sparrow; crown/nape pale chestnut; black ear mark on whitish cheek; smaller blackish throat patch; yellow-brown rump. Sexes alike. Immature: paler, markings less distinct. Pairs to winter flocks; often with House Sparrows. Forages on ground or in foliage; takes flying insects.
- Voice
- short metallic 'chik', repeated 'chit-tchup' and rapid twitter; flight-call, 'tek, tek'.
- Habitat
- suburbs, rural towns, farm buildings/homesteads.
- Breeding
- Sept.-Jan.
- Nest
- smaller than House Sparrow; in hole in building, tree.
- Eggs
- 4-6; smaller, browner, more glossy than House Sparrow.
- Range & Status
- native to Eurasia, s. to Philippines, e. Indonesia. Introduced to se. Aust. from 1860s: established in Melbourne and towns from c. Dimboola (w. Vic.) and Hay (NSW) n. to Narromine-Gilgandra; e. to Cowra-ACT-Albury. Status in Sydney-Newcastle uncertain. Locally common. Sedentary.
