British Tree Sparrows declined by 93% between 1970 and 2008. Consequently, the breeding population we have here at Saltholme is a high conservation priority for us. They are easily told apart from House Sparrows, as they have a chestnut cap and a white cheek patch with a black spot. Tree sparrows breed colonially in nest boxes with an entrance hole of 28mm, and we have erected such boxes along the Pedestrian Path, along the Watchpoint hedge, and more recently, behind the workshop. Like most seed feeders, they feed their chicks on invertebrates, and Tree Sparrows seem to prefer to feed their young on insects found in wet habitats, such as hatching mozzies.
Tree Sparrow showing the chestnut cap, by Ian Forrest.
In order to find out more about how our Tree Sparrows are getting along, Chris Brown from Teesmouth Bird Club has started to fit colour rings to the chicks in the nest. Some of these birds are now adults and can be seen at the feeding stations. If you see a colour ringed Tree Sparrow, please note the colours on each leg and give the information to reception. There is a red ring on the left leg with two letters. Good Luck.