Tree Sparrow

A dark, damp day today but plenty of birds visiting the feeders : goldfinch, chaffinch, dunnock, coal tit, house sparrow and this little Tree Sparrow.
According to the RSPB, the UK tree sparrow population suffered a decline of around 93% between 1970 and 2008 but numbers may now be on the increase. The main populations are to be found in the Midlands, southern and eastern England but are scarce elsewhere so I am pleased to see we have some here in the West of Scotland. They are slightly smaller than the house sparrow, with a chocolate brown cap, a dark patch on the cheek, and smaller black bib.