FRINGILLINA. 181 
THE TREE-SPARROW. 
PassER MONTANUS (Linnzus). 
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 Lancashire 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 Feroes, 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 
