Winter companions
Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
Tree sparrows and yellowhammers on a road.
Yellowhammer |
Talvike
|
Emberiza citrinella |
Tree sparrow |
Põldvarblane
|
Passer montanus |
Different birds often move and feed together. In daytime we see the groups as everyday guests in the web cameras. The birds above are largely of the same size; the yellowhammer’s tail is a little longer.
Yellowhammer
As to behaviour the yellowhammers are rather peaceful, slightly clumsy and not particularly shy of people. They move in groups and a little squabbling goes with their lifestyle. They feed on the ground but in inhabited areas also visit bird feeders. THe male bird’s head and lower body are yellow, back brownish. A sure recognition mark is the rust-coloured upper side of the tail. The females and juveniles have duller colours and less yellow. A part of those nesting here move southwards but the nujmber of yellowhammers in winter almost certainly reaches a couple of hundred thousand bids
Tree sparrow
Tree sparrows look clean and well-tended, with a brighter plumage than the relatives, the house sparrows, and are smaller. All have a similar plumage, only the cheek patch of the juveniles is more distinct.
House sparrow on fence
The house sparrow on the right-hand side, with the black chin patch, is an adult male bird.