Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

Malay name: Pipit Rumah · Chinese name: 麻雀

Family: Snowfinches and Old World Sparrows · Status: Very common resident · Size: 14–14.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs across Eurasia from the British Isles east through Siberia to Japan, south through South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Adult has reddish-brown crown bordered by a white collar, white face with bold black cheek patch and black lores, and short black bib; warm-brown streaked back, underparts dingy whitish with buff-brown wash on flanks. Separated from male House Sparrow by chestnut rather than grey cap, discrete dark cheek patch, and white collar; female House Sparrow more drab, lacking bib and chestnut cap, and with pale grey underparts.

Habitat

Open habitat, including parks, urban areas, grasslands, and fields. Often associated with human presence.

Behaviour

Gregarious, associates in flocks. Primarily feeds on ground but also forages on plants and trees.