Tree Sparrow Vs House Sparrow: Key Differences Explained

There are two types of sparrows that are residents in the UK which are the tree sparrow and the house sparrow. Both of these birds were once a common sight in the UK but both species have suffered a sharp decline in numbers since the 1970s.

Both are now currently on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern. With tree sparrows seeing a 93% decline and house sparrows seeing over 70% decline since the 1970s. Both species appear to have stabled and are even increasing slightly in numbers according to a recent survey.

Keep reading to find out how to differentiate between these 2 species of sparrows.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Tree sparrows have a chestnut brown crown and nape whereas house sparrows have a light grey crown
Tree sparrows have white cheeks and a black cheek spot
House sparrows have a black mask and bib
Tree sparrows also have a black bib but it is not as big as it is on house sparrows
Male and female tree sparrows look almost identical
There are distinct differences between male and female house sparrows with females being duller and have less vivid markings

What Is The Difference Between Tree Sparrows And House Sparrows?

Tree sparrows and house sparrows are both small birds and often get classified under the “small brown bird” category. While it is true that both species do lack any striking colours, there are a few easy ways to distinguish between these two members of the sparrow family.

Visual Differences

The most striking difference between these two species can be seen by looking at their heads. Tree sparrows have a chestnut brown crown and nape whereas house sparrows have a light grey crown.

Tree sparrows have white cheeks with a distinctive black cheek spot. Whereas house sparrows have a black mask and bib with white cheeks and a grey nape.

Tree sparrows have sturdy, conical bills as do house sparrows but the bill of the house sparrow is often darker in colour. The differences between the sexes can also be distinguishing.

With female tree sparrows looking almost identical to males. Whereas female house sparrows are duller with less vivid markings and they lack the black bib or if they have it, it’s less pronounced than it is in male house sparrows.

The black bib on tree sparrows is similar to that of the house sparrow but typically not as big.

Differences In Habitat

Tree sparrows prefer rural areas including farmland and open woodlands and are less likely to be seen in urban environments.

House sparrows are far more adaptable and are commonly found in urban and suburban areas as well as rural areas but they’re far less likely to be reliant on trees.

Tree sparrows are often seen in large flocks during winter time but are not as social as house sparrows in urban areas. House sparrows are frequently spotted in large flocks and are not shy of associating themselves around human habitats and activities.

Nests & Eggs

Tree sparrows typically nest in tree holes, old buildings and nesting boxes. House sparrows will often nest in buildings, under eaves and other structures and are far more adaptable in their nesting habitats.

Tree sparrows lay around 5 to 6 eggs and can easily have 3 broods each season. The eggs are white with brown patches and are around 20 x 14 mm in size and weigh around 2.1 grams.

They hatch after around 12 to 13 days and the altricial chicks fledge around 15 to 18 days after hatching.

House sparrows lay around 3 to 7 eggs and often raise 3 or even 4 broods each season. The eggs are glossy white with black or grey blotches and are around 22 x 16 mm in size and weigh around 2.9 grams.

The eggs hatch after around 10 to 14 days and the altricial chicks fledge the nest around 14 to 16 days after hatching.

Bird Calls

The call of the house sparrow is louder than that of the tree sparrow and includes a variety of sounds including cheeps, chirps and an easily recognisable “chirrup” sound. They are often heard chattering with others in their large flocks.

Tree sparrow calls are softer and sound more musical than those of the house sparrow. The sound is more like a short “chip-chip” or “tsip” sound. When in flight the tree sparrow makes a more distinctive harsher sounding “teck” call.

Size & Weight

The size and weight of both species is very similar which doesn’t help when trying to differentiate between the species.

House sparrows are around 14 to 15 cm in length with a wingspan of between 21 to 25.5 cm. They weigh around 24 to 38 grams which is slightly heavier than their country cousins.

Tree sparrows are around 14 cm in length with a wingspan of between 20 to 22 cm. They weigh around 19 to 25 grams. However, this reduction in size and weight makes it easy to mistake females and juveniles as members of the other species.

To really be certain of the species you will need to look at the crown of the head for true identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do house and tree sparrows interbreed?

Although relatively rare, there have been recorded instances of tree/house sparrow hybrids on the eastern coast of Ireland.

Are tree sparrows rare in the UK?

Tree sparrows are relatively rare birds which are found in hedgerows, farmlands and woodlands in the UK. They tend to keep away from urban and suburban areas unlike their relatives the house sparrow.

How many different sparrows are there in the UK?

There are two types of sparrow found in the UK which are the tree sparrow and the house sparrow. Both of these birds were once a common sight but sadly numbers have decreased dramatically since the 1970s.