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The small brown-and-grey bird that lives wherever people do — males wear a black bib.

How to spot it

A compact, stout-billed songbird. The male has a grey crown, chestnut-brown back and a black patch (bib) on the throat and chest; the female is plainer, streaky brown with a pale stripe behind the eye.

Where it lives

One of the most widespread wild birds on earth — closely tied to towns, farms and houses across Europe, Asia and, after being introduced, the Americas, Africa and Australia.

What it eats

Mainly seeds and grain, plus scraps around people; adults feed insects to their chicks in the breeding season.

Song & behaviour

Not a true singer — a steady, cheerful "cheep" and chirrup, usually from a hedge, roof or gutter. Sociable, often in noisy flocks.

Nesting

Nests in holes and crevices — under eaves, in wall cavities and nest boxes — building an untidy dome of grass, feathers and scraps.

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