Tree Sparrow
Scientific Name: Passer montanusMaltese Name: Gahgah
Family: Sparrows (Passeridae)
Occurence: Frequent Resident
Breeds in Malta: Yes
Breeding Frequency: Frequent
Overview:
The Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, is a passerine bird in the family Passeridae with a rich chestnut crown and nape, and a black patch on each pure white cheek. The sexes are similarly plumaged, and young birds are a duller version of the adult. The Tree Sparrow's untidy nest is built in a natural cavity or a hole in a building. Even though it nests in buildings, it doesn't live in urbanized areas. Its typical clutch is five or six eggs which hatch in under two weeks. This sparrow feeds mainly on seeds, but invertebrates are also consumed, particularly during the breeding season.
Status and Distribution:
Frequent sparrow, but not as common as the Spanish Sparrow, probabbly due to the fact that it is not adapted to human disturbance. The first Maltese breeding colony was discovered in 1967 in Marsalforn Valley, Gozo. Its population has now increased but it cannot be considered as a very common bird, probabbly due to human disturbance and competion with the Spanish Sparrow. Largest colony we know about is at Buskett Gardens. It doesn't breed on Comino and there are very few colonies (if any) in Gozo.
When to See:
All year round
Where to See:
To see a Tree Sparrow in Malta it is best to visit a site where it is known that they breed. They prefer agricultural land to breed and tend to perch on wires close to their breeding grounds.
Photographs:
 |
Adult Tree Sparrow, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
 |
 |
| Adult Tree Sparrow | Close up of adult Tree Sparrow |
 |
Juveline Tree Sparrow, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
Listen to Tree Sparrow:
Back to Bird Species List