House sparrow
The house sparrow is closely linked to human settlements, never found in forest areas. It has been one of man´s closest bird associates since we started cultivating grain. House sparrows are still numerous around grain farms, but also where you find cows and horses.
Male and female house sparrows differ in appearance. Males have a grey cap and a black streak from beak to eye, spreading as a brown fanlike shape behind the eye. Females have a buffish brown head with a yellow-white streak over and behind the eye. Males usually carry a black throat patch and bib. The size of the bib markes the rank of the male. The back of both males and females is a mix of brown and dark blotches.
Tree sparrows are close relatives to house sparrows, and look confusingly similar. Males and females are similar, with brown head, a white cheek with a black cheekspot. While house sparrows may dominate in some districts or gardens, house sparrows may rule the ground elsewhere. Both sparrow species behave in similar ways, so they can be hard to recognize at some distance.
