Poljski vrabac
- The Eurasian tree sparrow nests in the nests of predatory birds to protect itself from predators and to feed on insects gathering around food scraps. Such nests may be used simultaneously by up to ten pairs of sparrows.
- In 21 % of cases, at least one chick in the Eurasian tree sparrow's nest is not genetically related to its presumed mother. In 9 % of cases, the eggs were fertilized by males from other pairs.
- The Eurasian tree sparrow in Central and Eastern Asia, Kazakhstan, and southern Siberia prefers settlements and central parts of cities, unlike in Europe. In these regions, it is more attracted to settlements than to natural areas.
- The Eurasian tree sparrow, unlike the house sparrow, depends less on humans. It is found on the outskirts of populated areas, in abandoned villages, and near fields of grain crops.
Старост
Eurasian tree sparrows have a typical lifespan of from 9 years and 10 months to 16 years and 5 months, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13 years and 1 month, and a theoretical lifespan of from 9 years and 8 months to 13 years and 9 months; the species reaches sexual maturity from 8 months to 1 year and 1 month. An embryo develops inside an egg, receiving nutrients from the yolk, and the young’s eyes open from 4 to 5 days after hatching. The nestling stage involves the young being fed insects and seeds by its parents while in the nest, lasting from 2 weeks to 2 weeks and 6 days. Following this, the post-rapid growth phase sees the young bird learning to fly and forage independently, a period lasting from 2 weeks and 6 days to 10 months. The adult stage, during which the bird can reproduce and defend territory, lasts from 10 months to 8 years and 3 months.
Фенотип
The young Eurasian tree sparrow has down covering its body, which helps retain heat. An adult Eurasian tree sparrow possesses a short, strong beak that allows it to crack seeds and catch insects, and thin legs with gripping toes for perching on branches and buildings. The plumage of an adult includes a brown cap on the head, white cheeks with black spots, a brown back with dark stripes, and a light gray belly. Wings allow the species to quickly fly short distances between shelters.
Физиологија
The field sparrow is a bird species with a body length ranging from 12.5 to 14.5 cm and a weight from 21.3 to 25.2 g, with a wingspan of 21 cm. At the "embryo" stage, the nestling's body weight varies from 2 to 3 g, and its body length from 1.8 to 2.2 cm, while at the "fledgling" stage, the body weight is from 4 to 18 g, and the body length is from 5 to 11 cm. The "young after rapid growth" stage is characterized by a body weight of from 16 to 22 g and a body length of from 11 to 13 cm, and in an adult sparrow, the body weight is in the range of from 19 to 25 g, and the body length is from 12.5 to 14.5 cm.
Станиште
Eurasian tree sparrows inhabit land, high mountain and tundra areas, ground forests, ground meadows and steppes, and shrublands; they are found at elevations up to 2 kilometers above sea level. The species occupies mixed temperate forests with warm summers and many oaks, birches, and maples, flooded meadows where water frequently covers the ground and there is abundant grass, and taiga forests characterized by cold winters and coniferous trees like fir and pine. Climates where Eurasian tree sparrows live range from cool to warm summers, with temperatures from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, to very hot summers exceeding 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and include conditions of near-constant moisture, frequent rainfall and cool summers with snow in winter, and warm, pleasant summers with abundant rain.
Склониште
Eurasian tree sparrows shelter in tree cavities, crevices of buildings, or nest boxes at a height of two to ten meters. The species builds or uses nests for laying eggs and raising young. These nests are constructed from dry grass, feathers, and small twigs.
Географија
Eurasian tree sparrows are found within the Nearctic and Palearctic biogeographical regions, inhabiting Celtic broadleaf forests, broadleaf forests of Western Europe, coniferous forests of the Qilian Mountains, Balkan mixed forests, Baltic mixed forests, and coniferous and mixed forests of the Pyrenees.
Храна
The Eurasian tree sparrow’s diet consists of seeds from wild and cultivated plants, small insects, and spiders; in summer, it more frequently catches insects to feed its young. The species forages on the ground, in grass, and on trees to collect seeds, insects, spiders, berries, coniferous cones, and seed. Its food sources include beetles, flies, Hymenoptera, butterflies, bedbugs, Orthoptera, dragonflies, stoneflies, and lacewings. The feeding strategy involves active hunting and searching for food. Daily food consumption ranges from 6 grams to 12 grams. Cats prey on the Eurasian tree sparrow.
Размножавање
The Eurasian tree sparrow’s embryo develops for 1 week and 6 days; the female lays eggs in a nest that the pair builds or occupies. A clutch contains from 4 to 7 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them and feeding the young. The male attracts the female with song, and the species produces from 4 to 7 broods. Young tree sparrows reach maturity from 8 months to 1 year. The interval between breeding periods is from 3 weeks and 4 days to 1 month and 2 weeks.