Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
Length 14cm

Widespread distribution in mainland Britain and Ireland but decidedly scarce and local. Occasionally found on outskirts of villages but more usually associated with untidy arable farms, taking advantage of frequent grain spills along with buntings and finches. Sexes similar and easily distinguished from house sparrow by chestnut cap and nape, and black patch on otherwise white cheeks; plumage otherwise streaked brown on back with pale underparts. Juvenile lacks black cheek patch. Utters house sparrow-like chirps but also a sharp tik tik in flight. Forms flocks in winter months and sometimes feeds in stubble fields.