Old World sparrows (Passeridae)

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus. Seeds and insects around farms and towns.

Old World sparrows (Passeridae)Eurasian Tree SparrowPasser montanus
Scientific name
Passer montanus
Length
5.9 in
Weight
0.8 oz
Nest
Cavity, nest box or building crevice
Entrance hole
1 1/4 in
Clutch
4–6 eggs
Incubation
12–13 days
Broods
2–3 per season

Identification

  • Chestnut crown (not grey like House Sparrow)
  • Black cheek spot on a white face
  • Sexes look alike

Voice

A sharper, cleaner 'chip' than House Sparrow.

Diet and feeding

Eurasian Tree Sparrows by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
IllinoisYear-round residentApril–August
IowaYear-round residentApril–August
MissouriYear-round residentApril–August

Frequently asked

What do Eurasian tree sparrows eat?

Seeds and insects around farms and towns. At feeders: millet, cracked corn, black-oil sunflower.

How big is a Eurasian Tree Sparrow?

5.9 in long and 0.8 oz.

Do Eurasian tree sparrows use birdhouses?

Yes — a 1 1/4 in entrance, 4 × 4 in floor, mounted 6–15 ft.

Sources

  1. Eurasian Tree Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Eurasian Tree Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Eurasian Tree Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.