[whitetail]

We're getting a few of these here and I've looked
everywhere but can't find out what a female looks
like compared to the male. I did read on one site
that they are similar. Is there any way?
Thanks,
Al

[Blogd]

The Tree Sparrow is the predominant bird in the housing development where I live, here in West Tokyo. They're all over the place. If I set out a feeder, they're the only bird that comes (except for the occasional dove), and they come in droves. I have to admit, I can't tell the difference between them; if there is one, it is extremely subtle. My field guides for Japan show no difference between the sexes.

Here are pages in my blog which feature them:

http://www.blogd.com/archives/001264.html
http://www.blogd.com/archives/001230.html
http://www.blogd.com/archives/001226.html
http://www.blogd.com/archives/001179.html
http://www.blogd.com/archives/001178.html
http://www.blogd.com/archives/001154.html

[Jurij Hanžel]

As far as I know, the male and the female are IDENTICAL.

[Marmot]

According to Collins Bird Guide, there is no difference at all between the sexes.

Here is our database picture http://www.birdforum.net/bird_view.php?bid=2968 and I found this one taken by Ivica, which has a multitude of Tree Sparrows and House Sparrows on.
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/...cat/all/page/2

[Rasmus Boegh]

As already established male & female look alike. Juv's are duller, have greyer cheeks and sometimes a bit of grey on the forecrown (I've seen beginners mistake them for House Sparrows which is understandable):

http://user.chollian.net/~aves/news/...20032338-1.jpg

[TWM]

As far as I can tell the only difference is that the male climbs on the females back when mating, so they can tell the difference!

[whitetail]

Originally Posted by TWM

As far as I can tell the only difference is that the male climbs on the females
back when mating, so they can tell the difference!

Love your answer, unfortunately they only seem interested in FEEDING at my feeder. Have
to keep an eye out for the action.

I was at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers
today and a couple of birders said the same, no difference.

Thanks all for taking the time to respond.
AL

[Jos Stratford]

Even in the hand for purposes of ringing, male and female are not separable. Ha ha, unless I'm missing something not having a recent edition of Svenson!