On the Red List: Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

Widely distributed across England, Wales and the eastern side of Scotland, they are found on farmland, hedgerows and woodland edges. They have chestnut-brown crowns and backs, white cheeks and a black cheek-spot.  Although the male and female look almost identical, they can be distinguished from the male House Sparrows by the brown cap and by presence of the black cheek-spot. Tree Sparrows don't associate with man. 

They feed on weed seeds, corn and insects and although they can be found in the garden they are relatively shy birds and form less attachment to habitation. However, if you see them in your garden and wish to encourage them you could put up an enclosed nest box.  It should have an entrance hole of one and one eighth inches in diameter and an inside depth of at least six inches and a floor around four inches square.

The Tree Sparrow have a lifespan of only around 2 years and usually produce two broods of four to six eggs which are smaller, browner and darker than those of the house sparrow.  These birds have been placed on the Red List of endangered birds