tree sparrow

American  

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.

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tree sparrow British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of tree sparrow

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tree sparrow

This year it dropped from third to fourth place behind the tree sparrow, the blue tit and the wood pigeon.

From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2025

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 ● Jan. 2, 2021

I was coming down the game path to the shore when a bird, a tree sparrow I thought, flew to the ground just ahead of me, and hopped to the water to drink.

From Wilderness Ways by Copeland, Charles

Some accident had detained him doubtless; but he showed no signs of worry or haste, as I walked round him, scrutinizing every feather, lest he should be some tree sparrow traveling in disguise.

From Birds in the Bush by Torrey, Bradford

Then the white-crowned sparrows, Gambel's sparrow, the tree sparrow, and one or two other sparrows of which I am not sure are next in number.

From Under the Maples by Burroughs, John