Shy bird's comeback

WE have two different species of sparrows here in the UK. Yes, two. Most people don’t seem to believe me!

- With Lily Woods

Oh, you mean the house sparrow and hedge sparrow, right?

No, the hedge sparrow is another name for a Dunnock, who may bear a resemblance to our brown chirping friends, but they are actually the only British representation of the accentor family; no relation whatsoever.

So what am I talking about? Well, those who know will be yelling right now, it’s the tree sparrow of course!

Those who didn’t know can be forgiven for not recognising this oft overlooked little bird as something unique.

Unlike their much more friendly relatives, the tree sparrows are much more shy and generally stay away from human settlements.