156561 Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus - juvenile. L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.
