Eurasian Tree Sparrow

1. Rich chestnut crown and nape with a black spot on each white cheek.

2. Narrow white collar separating the cap from the back.

3. Short black bib on the chin and upper throat only; no sexual dimorphism.

Eurasian Tree Sparrows feed mainly on seeds of cultivated grains and wild plants, supplementing their diet with insects during the breeding season. They forage in small, social flocks, often using a “roller-feeding” movement where birds at the back fly to the front of the group. Breeding occurs from March to August in Australia. They nest in cavities in trees, buildings, fence posts, or nest boxes, and both parents share nest-building, incubation, and chick-rearing duties. Clutch size is typically five or six eggs, and the species often breeds in loose colonies or isolated pairs. Outside the breeding season, they may form larger flocks near grain sources. As an invasive species, Tree sparrows can compete with native species for resources including food and nesting sites.

In Australia, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow is restricted to southeastern Victoria, central and northern Victoria, the Riverina region of New South Wales, and Melbourne. It is absent from Western Australia, where it is a prohibited species. The species prefers rural and semi-rural areas, farmland, small country towns, and parklands with mature trees. Unlike the House Sparrow, it is less common in dense urban centers and favours areas with more natural vegetation. Look for small, social flocks foraging on the ground or perched in trees and shrubs, especially in the morning`.`