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Glite Dictionary
tree sparrow

tree sparrow

4.5
A small brown bird like a sparrow that lives near trees and farms
  • noun
  • /tri ˈspɛroʊ/
  • UK
translation icon : gorrión arbóreo
  • We spotted a flock of tree sparrows feeding on the edge of the forest.

This Eurasian tree Sparrow got way scaled up.

Examples

  • The tree sparrow is easily identified by the black spot on its white cheek.

  • The tree sparrow is a common sight in rural areas.

  • Researchers observed a decline in tree sparrow populations throughout Europe.

  • Look! A tree sparrow just landed on that branch!

  • The tree sparrow is easily identified by the black spot on its white cheek.

  • We spotted a flock of tree sparrows feeding on the edge of the forest.

  • Researchers observed a decline in tree sparrow populations throughout Europe.

Synonyms

sparrow
vstree sparrow
38 1.0

A small brown or gray bird that sings and lives near people

is the specific woodland and farmland species in particular regions
Passer montanus
vstree sparrow
  • Specialized
9.8

A small brown sparrow with a chestnut crown and a black cheek spot

refers to the Europe and Asia form rather than the broader group
Spizella arborea
vstree sparrow
  • Specialized
9.9

A small brown bird often seen in winter that is called the American tree sparrow

refers to the North American form seen in winter rather than other types

Surface Forms

tree sparrow singular
tree sparrows plural

Morphology

tree + sparrow

The meaning (a type of sparrow associated with trees) is directly and transparently composed from 'tree' + 'sparrow' — a straightforward noun‑noun compound naming a species. This compositional pattern is common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Tree sparrow The name tree sparrow comes from the bird's habit of living in trees and woods. The word tree shows where it lives, unlike the 'house sparrow', so the name means a 'small sparrow' that prefers trees.