COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 47 



SPARROW, HOUSE. (R. Finches.) 



Size. Taken as guide. Length 6 inches. 



Colour. Male : above reddish- brown with dark mark- 

 ings, lower back and rump greyish-brown. Crown of 

 head grey bordered with deep chocolate. A patch on 

 throat and chin black, much larger and extending lower 

 down in spring and summer. Under parts light grey. 

 One bar of white on wings. Female : dull-coloured 

 brown of two shades, greyish below. 



Note. Probably the chirp of the Sparrow is known 

 to dwellers in towns and the country alike. There is no 

 real song. 



Distinguishing Feature. From the Hedge ' Sparrow * 

 this bird can be distinguished by the thicker and more 

 stumpy bill, and bold impudent carriage, also the differ- 

 ences in plumage. 



Nest. In a hole under the eaves or in a tree, often 

 in thick ivy or a holly-bush. When not in a hole it is 

 built with a roof. Straw, &c., warmly lined feathers. 



Eg8 s - White with grey and brown spots, vary a 

 good deal. 



Haunts. Wherever human habitations are. Common 

 in town and country. 



SPARROW, TREE. (R. Finches.) 



Size. Sparrow. 



Colour. Above chestnut-brown, with dark markings. 

 Crown of head chestnut. Cheeks white, with a spot of 

 black on each. Patch of black on chin and upper throat. 

 Two bars of white on wing. Male and female alike. 



Note. The chirp of the Tree Sparrow is rather more 

 musical than that of the House Sparrow. 



Distinguishing Feature. The brighter and more light 

 appearance about the head caused by the chestnut 

 crown, the detached spot of black on the white cheek, 

 and the two bars on wing. 



Nest. In holes in trees. 



Eggs. Whitish with brown spots. 



Haunts. Although not rare, the Tree Sparrow is a 

 locally distributed bird, appearing usually in little 

 colonies, generally away from houses or buildings. It is 

 an interesting bird, and worth looking for, as no doubt 

 it is often overlooked owing to the resemblance to its 

 relative the House Sparrow. 



