Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus

Smaller than a House Sparrow, it has a chestnut brown head and nape (rather than grey), and white cheeks and collar with a contrasting black cheek-spot. The sexes have identical plumage. They are shyer than House Sparrows in the UK and are not associated with man, although in continental Europe they nest in buildings just like House Sparrows. The main populations are now found across the Midlands and southern and eastern England. It is almost absent from Wales and from the south west and north west of England.

Best looked for in hedgerows and woodland edges.

All year round

The Tree Sparrow's untidy nest is built in a natural cavity, a hole in a building or bird box. It is predominantly a seed and grain eating bird which feeds on the ground in flocks but it does eat invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season.

Found throughout most of Britain, but more scarce in northern Scotland and south west England.

A fairly common breeding bird in Leicestershire and Rutland.