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.


 

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