I promised you some facts about this handsome bird:
- It nests on the ground.
- It forages on the ground.
- It perches a few feet above the ground in bushes.
- It seldom uses trees at all.
- So why Tree Sparrow? It was named by immigrants--obviously more homesick than observant--after the European Tree Sparrow.
- They are monogamous. Unusual for small birds.
- Females sit on the nest. Males help feed the babies
- They watch for danger with just their left eye. Honest.
Odd fact, but it might explain one thing. While the female is stuck on the nest she uses her left eye to stay safe. That leaves the right for other things. Like watching the male chase around after insects.This may sound cynical. Research shows males are strictly loyal. But maybe--now I'm just saying maybe. It’s that right eye that helps keep everything that way? : )
Distinguishing Marks: Gray breast with a dot is unique. Bill orange on the bottom dark gray on top. Red-brown eyeline.
For the record I pilfered most of these facts from allaboutbirds.org and whatBird.com
