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.

---

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

---

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

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

From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon

The tree sparrow makes a nice wee pet, very loving and gentle, and not at all particular as to food.

From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon