Eurasian Tree-Sparrow / Ga'ga' pale'
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Eurasian Tree-Sparrow / Ga'ga' pale'
Passer montanus
Introduced speciecs
The Eurasian Tree-Sparrow was introduced to Guam after World War II and is one of the most common birds remaining on our island today. The tree-sparrow is mostly brown with a black chin and ear patches. Some people have confused the tree-sparrow with the Rufous Fantail, a native forest bird that is now extinct. The tree-sparrow is even mistakenly called the "chichirika", which was the Rufous Fantail's Chamoru name. However, because a local name was never given to the tree-sparrow, the term "chichirika" has come to mean any tiny brown bird.
The tree-sparrow is a tame urban dweller. It lives in close association with people and stays away from forests. Flocks of tree-sparrows can often be seen around city streets, large buildings, parks, and homes. At night, they gather in large groups to roost. Just before dusk, roosts are noisy locations with many birds chirping. These roosts normally occur in large trees found in open lawns or downtown areas.
Unlike nearly all of Guam's native birds, the Eurasian Tree-Sparrow has been able to survive on the island despite the presence of brown tree snakes. Snakes do prey on some tree-sparrows, however, many birds avoid snakes by sleeping and nesting in places where snakes are unable to go. Tree-sparrow nests are made of dried grasses and usually contain four to six eggs. They are placed in many kinds of buildings and structures.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
