FRINGILLIN.C 



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THE TREE-SPARROW. 



Passer montanus (Einnaeus). 



The Tree-Sparrow is rarer and more local than the preceding 

 species, but it is undoubtedly extending its range, having recently 

 been found in the Outer Hebrides, including St. Kilda, and in 

 North Ronay, as well as in many other places where it was unknown 

 in former times. In the south-west of England it is as yet un- 

 common, and it is not abundant in Wales, although it breeds in 

 Brecon; while it is very local in Eancashire and Cumberland. It is 

 probably more abundant in Cambridgeshire and some of the eastern 

 and midland counties than elsewhere ; but it is difficult to sketch its 

 distribution with accuracy, owing to the strong probability that, from 

 its resemblance to the House-Sparrow, it has often been overlooked. 

 Large numbers arrive from the Continent upon our north-east coast 

 in autumn. On the mainland of Scotland its settlements are mostly 

 along the eastern side, from the Border to Sutherland. Unknown 

 in Ireland until 1852, it is now a resident and increasing species 

 near Dublin ; Mr. H. M. Wallis has stated that he saw a pair in 

 May 1886 on Aranmore Island, off Donegal ; and a bird has been 

 taken at the Tuskar lighthouse. 



About 1869 the Tree-Sparrow reached the Faeroes, where it has 

 multiplied exceedingly ; and in Norway, although still local, it has 

 now spread beyond the Arctic circle. Throughout the rest of 

 northern and temperate Europe it is generally distributed ; in Hun- 

 gary and Slavonia it is more abundant than the House-Sparrow ; 

 and, although local, it may be said to be common in most parts of 



