tree sparrow

noun

1. a Eurasian bird, Passer montanus, related to but smaller than the house sparrow.
2. a North American finch, Spizella arborea, common in winter in the northern U.S.

tree sparrow

noun

1. a small European weaverbird, Passer montanus , similar to the house sparrow but having a brown head
2. a small North American finch, Spizella arborea , having a reddish-brown head, grey underparts, and brown striped back and wings

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree sparrow¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

The similarities between a house sparrow and tree sparrow are such that articles have been written to help birders distinguish between the two.

From Washington Times

Frightful was dozing with her face in the sun, and the tree sparrows were raiding the hemlock cones.

From Literature

According to Ingar, the house sparrow, common starling, Eurasian skylark, willow warbler and Eurasian tree sparrow are facing the largest declines in population.

From Salon

In a recent study, Buchy showed that Eurasian tree sparrows, a species commonly used in merit releases, can harbor H5N1 and transmit it to other birds.

From Scientific American

I have heard the tree sparrow called a nasty, common, dowdy thing.

From Project Gutenberg