# Eurasian Tree Sparrow (*Passer montanus*) The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is a small, cheerful bird with a brown cap and a white cheek. They love to chirp and can often be seen in groups, hopping around looking for seeds and insects to eat. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas - **Also known as:** Tree Sparrow ![Eurasian Tree Sparrow](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Eurasian_Tree_Sparrow.jpg&width=800) Photo: Yiwenyiwen, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eurasian_Tree_Sparrow.jpg) ## Appearance The Eurasian Tree Sparrow has a distinctive chestnut-brown cap and nape, sharply contrasted by a pure white cheek with a single black spot. Its back is streaked brown, and it features two clear white bars on its wings, setting it apart from other sparrows. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Passeridae - **Genus:** Passer ## Interesting facts - Both male and female Eurasian Tree Sparrows look exactly the same! - Their scientific name means "mountain sparrow" but they love lowlands! - These sparrows were introduced to North America in the 1870s. - They share nesting sites, sometimes even within a stork's huge nest! ## Special abilities - **Urban Adaptability:** Eurasian Tree Sparrows can thrive in bustling human environments because of their flexible nesting and feeding habits. - **Cavity Constructor:** This sparrow has the ability to build nests inside small tree holes or building crevices, providing safe shelter for its young. - **Seed-Cracker Beak:** The Eurasian Tree Sparrow possesses a strong, conical beak that helps them efficiently crack open tough seeds for food. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 12.5-14 cm - **Wingspan:** 21-22 cm - **Weight:** 0.018-0.027 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-7 years - **Speed:** 35 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-6 - **Incubation:** 11-14 days ## Diet & Feeding These small birds munch on seeds and insects, adapting their meals with the seasons. - **Age differences:** Nestlings are fed almost exclusively insects; adults eat more seeds. - **Primary Foods:** Seeds, Cereal grains, Beetles, Caterpillars, Spiders - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Shelter:** [White Stork](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-stork) (*Ciconia ciconia*) — Uses their nests for shelter and breeding. - **Eaten by:** Common Kestrel (*Falco tinnunculus*) — A common bird of prey that hunts small birds. - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — A significant predator, especially in urban areas. - **Eats:** Grain Weevil (*Sitophilus granarius*) — Consumes this common agricultural pest. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch or catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eurasian Tree Sparrow? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Eurasian Tree Sparrow? 12.5-14 cm ### What is Eurasian Tree Sparrow's wingspan? 21-22 cm ### How much does Eurasian Tree Sparrow weigh? 0.018-0.027 kg ### How long does Eurasian Tree Sparrow live? 2-7 years ### How fast can Eurasian Tree Sparrow move? 35 km/h ### What does Eurasian Tree Sparrow eat? These small birds munch on seeds and insects, adapting their meals with the seasons. ### Where is Eurasian Tree Sparrow usually found? Urban areas ## Where to spot - [Lock and Dam No. 20](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lock-and-dam-no-20) — Illinois, US · Historic Site - [Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/shinjuku-gyoen-national-garden) — Kanto, JP · Park - [Park am Gleisdreieck](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/park-am-gleisdreieck-berlin) — Berlin, DE · Park - [Juan Carlos I Park (Madrid)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/juan-carlos-i-park-madrid) — Comunidad de Madrid, ES · Park [View all places to see Eurasian Tree Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/eurasian-tree-sparrow) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-tree-sparrow)