SPARROWS
There are two types of sparrow in the UK. One, the tree sparrow is to be found accross England and in southern Scotland, but is unlikely to be seen up close in West Dunbartonshire. It does not like human company.
The other, the house sparrow, is common here and is discussed below. While the house sparrow is often seen around urban areas, even coming up close to people such as at cafes in the hope of hand-outs and fallen crumbs.
They are otherwise very similar.
TREE SPARROW : Passer montanus
You may see them in flocks in farmland, barely settled for a moment as you approach. Tree sparrows are around 14cm in length, with brown upperparts and buff undersides. They have a chestnut-brown crown, white cheeks, a white collar and black cheek spots. Both males and females are similar in appearance. Juveniles look similar to adults, however are duller with dark cheeks. [Woodland Trust].
HOUSE SPARROW : Passer domesticus
We have all come across these cheerful and social little birds, perhaps hopping around a cafe table. However House Sparrows are much rarer than they used to be – since 1970, almost 30 million of these little birds have vanished from the UK. [RSPB]. The reasons are unclear. But it does mean that we should cherish their company even more.
Male house sparrows are streaky brown above and grey below. They have chestnut wings with white wingbars, a black bib and a grey cap. Females and juveniles are a drab brown. Tree sparrows look similar to male house sparrows, but have a brown crown and a black spot on each cheek. [Wildlife Trusts].
These were two of a larger group excitedly exploring the upper Leven towpath for food in early July. Note the prominent white cheekpatches and grey hoods.
A sparrow joins some tits at a garden fatball feeder.
BIRD SPOT: https://www.birdspot.co.uk/a-little-bird/focus/the-decline-of-the-house-sparrow#google_vignette
RSPB : https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/house-sparrow
WILDLIFE TRUSTS : https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/larks-sparrows-pipits-wagtails-and-dunnock/house-sparrow
WOODLAND TRUST : https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/birds/tree-sparrow/
