tree sparrow

noun

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

tree sparrow

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

First recorded in 1760–70

The Tree Sparrow is another very local and uncommon species, and especially during the breeding season.

The tree sparrow, which comes to us from Hudson Bay and Labrador, lacks the stripes, but has the centre spot.

The tree sparrow, one of our most interesting sparrows, is another bird who does not fear the winter winds and storms.

The tree-sparrow is perhaps the sweetest and most melodious warbler at present.

Francis H. Allen tells me that this warbler “has a chip note suggesting that of the tree sparrow but sharper.”

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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