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

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

The tree sparrow actually does not show half the preference for trees that its familiar little counterpart does, but rather keeps to low bushes when not on the ground, where we usually find it.

From Bird Neighbors by Blanchan, Neltje

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

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

From The Log of the Sun A Chronicle of Nature's Year by Beebe, William