Tree Sparrow

Description:

Passeridae; Passer montanus (Linnaeus, 1758). As far as I can make out, this little Tree Sparrow looks more or less like any other species of sparrow with the exception of the top of the head and the nape of the neck which are dark brown, making it look like it is wearing a helmet. The darker patches on its cheeks (at least in my imagination) look like the chin strap of the helmet. Wikipedia's description more or less states the same, but a little more eloquently.

Habitat:

These three were spotted in our garden. That, of course, makes our garden the habitat of these little birds. However, to leave it at that and say no more does not provide anything like a representation of this bird's true habitat. This Tree Sparrow's life has become so intertwined with that of humans, that our habitat is theirs and vice versa. They nest in our buildings and gardens, eat our crumbs and any manner of scraps. They nest under bridges and perch on telephone and electricity lines. In fact, they have completely given up any contact with the wilderness. They are never seen in the mountains, forests or open plains, but come into a town or village and there are probably more of them than people. They have truly learned to live side-by-side with us. If you ask for my reference for this, I would have to reply that "you" are my reference. Have we not all grown up surrounded by sparrows? Have you ever seen any in the true wilderness? Your answer to these questions would be my perfect reference. Sometimes, by pausing for a moment of thought, we all become real "citizen scientists".