{"id":67548,"date":"2025-12-10T15:41:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T20:41:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/?p=67548"},"modified":"2025-12-19T14:43:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T19:43:24","slug":"identification-guide-winter-sparrows-bird-feeder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/identification-guide-winter-sparrows-bird-feeder\/","title":{"rendered":"Identification Guide to the Winter Sparrows at Your Feeder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336-1280x685.png\" alt=\"illustration of a sparrow on a branch with red leaves\" class=\"wp-image-67988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336-1280x685.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336-720x385.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336-768x411.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336-1536x822.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336-480x257.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow_Banner-e1764792008336.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden-crowned Sparrows are common winter visitors along the Pacific Coast. <em>The artwork for this article and poster was created by 2025 Bartels Science Illustrator Lauren Richelieu.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sparrows are an identification challenge for birders of all skill levels\u2014but they&#8217;re also subtly beautiful, endlessly interesting to watch, and common. Though they may all look similar at first, we can help you get them sorted out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sidebar-alignright has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Beautiful Sparrow Poster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"232\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sparrow-poster-thumb.png\" alt=\"thumbnail image of a poster showing illustrations of many sparrow species.\" class=\"wp-image-68425\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sans-font-family\">The illustrations on this page were created for Project FeederWatch, and used in a beautiful, informational poster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sans-font-family\"><a href=\"https:\/\/feederwatch.org\">Join FeederWatch today<\/a> and be part of a community of tens of thousands of participatory scientists monitoring winter birds in the U.S. and Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sans-font-family\">Participants are eligible to receive a free copy of this sparrow poster. <a href=\"mailto:feederwatch@cornell.edu\">Request a poster by emailing FeederWatch after signing up<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Your backyard or local park is a great place to start watching sparrows. The open setting around a bird feeder makes for clear views, and you&#8217;ll be dealing with a manageable subset instead of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/browse\/taxonomy\/Passerellidae\">all 40+ sparrow species<\/a> that occur in the U.S. and Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the winter months, many sparrows lack their bright and often namesake markings, making identification tricky. Study them at your feeder to get to know the distinctive shapes and intricate patterns that hold the secret to identification.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways to identify sparrows is to divide them into groups. Many of the concepts of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/building-skills-the-4-keys-to-bird-identification\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17090\">Four Keys to Bird ID<\/a> can really help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get to know their shapes. <\/strong>Sparrows are all small birds, but they&#8217;re not all the same. Take a moment to notice that some are delicate, with short, notched tails and small bills; while others can be husky, large-headed, long-tailed, or big-billed. These details can really help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look at color patterns. <\/strong>Sparrows come in many shades of brown, from sooty to russet to almost red. They can have blurry streaks, pencil-thin brushmarks, neat chevrons, or bold stripes. So look closely! And remember that immatures and winter adults can sometimes look more streaky than in your field guide. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check range maps.<\/strong> Rare sparrows do show up to keep us all on our toes\u2014but checking range maps can make everyday IDs much easier. Chipping Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows look pretty similar, but they rarely occur in the same place at the same season, for instance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small and delicate-looking sparrows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This group is among the smaller sparrows that visit feeders in the winter. They have thin, pointy bills and typically crisp patterning, often with reddish tones. Look for them foraging on the ground below feeders or on platform or hopper feeders, where they munch on sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and milo. These sparrows have delicate features including small bills, short tails, and thin lines behind the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To separate these smaller sparrows, note the colors and streaks on their heads.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67984\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chipping-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a reddish brown sparrow at a feeder\" class=\"wp-image-67984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chipping-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chipping-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chipping-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chipping-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chipping-Sparrow.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Though common and distinctive in summer, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Chipping_Sparrow\">Chipping Sparrows<\/a> often lose their distinctive reddish cap in winter, and move southward into the southern U.S. and Mexico. Look for the thin dark line that extends from the bill, through and behind the eye, along with a hint of red remaining in the crown.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67993\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/American-Tree-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a reddish and grayish sparrow on a white background\" class=\"wp-image-67993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/American-Tree-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/American-Tree-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/American-Tree-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/American-Tree-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/American-Tree-Sparrow.png 1333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/American_Tree_Sparrow\">American Tree Sparrow<\/a> have a thin rusty line behind the eye, a bill that&#8217;s gray on top and yellow on the bottom, and a round spot on a clean breast. These hardy birds only reach the northern and central United States, and only in winter.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67986\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Field-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a small reddish brown sparrow\" class=\"wp-image-67986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Field-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Field-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Field-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Field-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Field-Sparrow.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Field_Sparrow\">Field Sparrows<\/a> have a rusty crown and patch behind the eye. Look also for a neat eyering and a pink bill. They spend winters mainly in the eastern U.S.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"article-list card-display carousel card-four \"><h2 class=\"article-list-header\">Other Small, Delicate Sparrows<\/h2><ul><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/dark-eyed_junco\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dark-eyed-junco-daniel-irons-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dark-eyed-junco-daniel-irons-ess-set-720x541.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dark-eyed-junco-daniel-irons-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dark-eyed-junco-daniel-irons-ess-set-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dark-eyed-junco-daniel-irons-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dark-eyed-junco-daniel-irons-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"small brown songbird on gray background\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/dark-eyed_junco\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Dark-eyed Junco<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/swamp_sparrow\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/swamp-sparrow-larry-therrien-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/swamp-sparrow-larry-therrien-ess-set-720x539.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/swamp-sparrow-larry-therrien-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/swamp-sparrow-larry-therrien-ess-set-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/swamp-sparrow-larry-therrien-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/swamp-sparrow-larry-therrien-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"small songbird clinging to twig in underbrush\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/swamp_sparrow\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Swamp Sparrow<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/clay-colored_sparrow\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/clay-colored-sparrow-ryan-schain-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/clay-colored-sparrow-ryan-schain-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/clay-colored-sparrow-ryan-schain-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/clay-colored-sparrow-ryan-schain-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/clay-colored-sparrow-ryan-schain-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/clay-colored-sparrow-ryan-schain-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"small songbird perched amid branches\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/clay-colored_sparrow\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Clay-colored Sparrow<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/brewers_sparrow\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/brewers-sparrow-matt-davis-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/brewers-sparrow-matt-davis-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/brewers-sparrow-matt-davis-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/brewers-sparrow-matt-davis-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/brewers-sparrow-matt-davis-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/brewers-sparrow-matt-davis-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"gray-brown songbird perches on cactus\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/brewers_sparrow\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Brewer&#8217;s Sparrow<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Larger, stocky-looking sparrows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these stocky-looking sparrows spend time digging and kicking in the dirt below feeders, or eating seeds from hoppers or platform feeders. Their bodies are a bit more bulky than the previous group, with longer tails and often with a peaked look to the head. They are usually not strongly streaked on the breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To separate members of this group, pay attention to crown and throat markings. White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows have bold stripes on the head; White-throated adds yellow near the eye and white on the throat. Harris\u2019s Sparrows have dark throats (though the extent can vary, especially for immatures).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67982\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/White-throated-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a sparrow in leaf litter\" class=\"wp-image-67982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/White-throated-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/White-throated-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/White-throated-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/White-throated-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/White-throated-Sparrow.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/White-throated_Sparrow\">White-throated Sparrows<\/a> are widespread in winter over much of the U.S.\u2014and very distinctive. Look for the white throat patch and yellow spot in front of the eye. The bold stripes on the head can be white or tan. Immatures often show light streaks on the breast.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67983\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a sparrow with boldly striped head\" class=\"wp-image-67983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-2048x2048.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/White-crowned-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/White-crowned_Sparrow\">White-crowned Sparrow<\/a> has a very bold head pattern but lacks the yellow spot and white throat of White-throated Sparrow. The bill can be yellow or pink. It is widespread across much of the U.S. and Mexico in winter.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67990\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Harriss-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a sparrow with a black head and chest at a feeder\" class=\"wp-image-67990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Harriss-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Harriss-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Harriss-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Harriss-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Harriss-Sparrow.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Harriss_Sparrow\">Harris\u2019s Sparrow<\/a> has a pinkish bill and black throat (the extent of dark throat can vary, especially for immatures). In winter it occurs mainly in the southern Great Plains and Texas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67989\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a sparrow on a twig with red leaves\" class=\"wp-image-67989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Golden-crowned-Sparrow.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Golden-crowned_Sparrow\">Golden-crowned Sparrow<\/a> has a dark crown with a golden stripe in the middle (not always visible). It often occurs alongside White-crowned Sparrows but lacks white on the head. It has a restricted winter range along the Pacific Coast of North America.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heavily Streaked Species<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many sparrow species can look faintly streaky, especially outside of the breeding season. But there are five common sparrow species that have distinct streaks across most or all of the breast: (Song, Fox, Savannah, Lincoln&#8217;s, and Vesper). These streaks can range from thick and blurry (as in Song); to crisp arrowheads (as in many Fox Sparrows); to narrow and detailed (as in Lincoln&#8217;s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Caution! You may notice that we&#8217;ve included a non-sparrow in this group, the female Red-winged Blackbird. Females look very different from the glossy black males, and with their heavy streaking and brown tones they are easy to mistake for sparrows. With a bit of practice you can easily recognize them by their larger size, dark background color, and longer, sharply pointed bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282-1280x680.png\" alt=\"illustration of three streaky sparrows in leaf litter\" class=\"wp-image-67987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282-1280x680.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282-720x383.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282-768x408.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282-1536x816.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282-480x255.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fox-Sparrows-e1764789780282.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Fox_Sparrow\">Fox Sparrows<\/a> vary in color across their range. They are often the largest sparrow at the feeder. They have a thick yellowish bill and thick, often chevron-shaped streaks down the chest. You&#8217;ll often see them on the ground, scratching at leaves or grass to uncover food.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67991\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/song-sparrows-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a matte brown and a reddish-brown sparrow perched on a branch\" class=\"wp-image-67991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/song-sparrows-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/song-sparrows-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/song-sparrows-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/song-sparrows-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/song-sparrows.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Song_Sparrow\">Song Sparrows<\/a> are among the most common and widespread sparrows in North America. Though their coloration varies across their range, the bulky proportions, thick stripes along the throat, and blurry breast streaks make them distinctive. Learning to recognize Song Sparrows can be very helpful for sorting out similar, less common species.&nbsp;More about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/secret-song-sparrows-success-genome\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"65966\">Song Sparrow variation<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67981\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Blackbird-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a large dark streaky bird on a cattail plant\" class=\"wp-image-67981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Blackbird-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Blackbird-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Blackbird-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Blackbird-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Blackbird.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Female <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Red-winged_Blackbird\">Red-winged Blackbirds<\/a> are easy to mistake for sparrows because they&#8217;re brown and streaky. Look for their larger size, dark overall color, and long, sharply pointed bill to tell them apart from sparrows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"article-list card-display carousel card-four \"><h2 class=\"article-list-header\">More Streaky Sparrows to Explore<\/h2><ul><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/learn-how-to-id-these-5-confusing-streaked-sparrows\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Lincolns_Sparrow-Nick_Saunders-FI.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Lincolns_Sparrow-Nick_Saunders-FI-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Lincolns_Sparrow-Nick_Saunders-FI-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Lincolns_Sparrow-Nick_Saunders-FI-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Lincolns_Sparrow-Nick_Saunders-FI.jpg 732w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"Lincoln's Sparrow by Nick Saunders. ML69095721\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/learn-how-to-id-these-5-confusing-streaked-sparrows\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Learn How to ID These 5 Confusing Streaked Sparrows<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/savannah_sparrow\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/savannah-sparrow-bryan-calk-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/savannah-sparrow-bryan-calk-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/savannah-sparrow-bryan-calk-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/savannah-sparrow-bryan-calk-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/savannah-sparrow-bryan-calk-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/savannah-sparrow-bryan-calk-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"streaky songbird with yellow near eye\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/savannah_sparrow\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Savannah Sparrow<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/lincolns_sparrow\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lincolns-sparrow-simon-kiacz-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lincolns-sparrow-simon-kiacz-ess-set-720x541.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lincolns-sparrow-simon-kiacz-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lincolns-sparrow-simon-kiacz-ess-set-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lincolns-sparrow-simon-kiacz-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lincolns-sparrow-simon-kiacz-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"streaky songbird with buffy and gray tones\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/lincolns_sparrow\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Lincoln&#8217;s Sparrow<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Vesper_Sparrow\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vesper-sparrow-owen-sinkus-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vesper-sparrow-owen-sinkus-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vesper-sparrow-owen-sinkus-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vesper-sparrow-owen-sinkus-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vesper-sparrow-owen-sinkus-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vesper-sparrow-owen-sinkus-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"streaky brown songbird perching on a pipe\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Vesper_Sparrow\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Vesper Sparrow<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bulky, Large-billed Sparrows, Often Around Buildings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple of sparrow species that can be found in North America are introduced species that are not closely related to native <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/browse\/taxonomy\/Passerellidae\">New World sparrows<\/a>. The House Sparrow and its relative the Eurasian Tree Sparrow are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/browse\/taxonomy\/Passeridae\">Old World sparrows<\/a> and were introduced to North America more than a century ago. Despite having similar streaky, brown patterning, Old World sparrows have a different body shape\u2014bulkier and with particularly thick, slightly curved bills. The males are distinctive with broad crown patches and black throats. Females are a bit more nondescript\u2014so it&#8217;s helpful to learn to recognize their body and bill shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67992\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HouseSparrows-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a male and female sparrow perched on an oak branch\" class=\"wp-image-67992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HouseSparrows-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HouseSparrows-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HouseSparrows-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HouseSparrows-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HouseSparrows.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Male <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/House_Sparrow\">House Sparrows<\/a> have a distinctive black throat with a gray cap. Females are trickier; look for their bulky proportions, overall light colors, and buffy stripes on the back and over the eye. (You can also check around for their mates to help with ID.)&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" data-id=\"67985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EurasianTreeSparrow-1280x1280.png\" alt=\"illustration of a bulky brown sparrow perched on a twig\" class=\"wp-image-67985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EurasianTreeSparrow-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EurasianTreeSparrow-720x720.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EurasianTreeSparrow-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EurasianTreeSparrow-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/EurasianTreeSparrow.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Eurasian_Tree_Sparrow\">Eurasian Tree Sparrows<\/a> have a rich brown head and white cheek with a black spot.&nbsp;They have been introduced to the St. Louis, Missouri, region and are not commonly seen elsewhere in North America.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"article-list card-display carousel card-four \"><h2 class=\"article-list-header\">Extra-Large Sparrows: Towhees<\/h2><ul><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/spotted_towhee\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/spotted-towhee-john-reynolds-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/spotted-towhee-john-reynolds-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/spotted-towhee-john-reynolds-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/spotted-towhee-john-reynolds-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/spotted-towhee-john-reynolds-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/spotted-towhee-john-reynolds-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"songbird with black head, rusty side, and white belly\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/spotted_towhee\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Spotted Towhee<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/eastern_towhee\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/eastern-towhee-jack-holly-bartholmai-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/eastern-towhee-jack-holly-bartholmai-ess-set-720x539.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/eastern-towhee-jack-holly-bartholmai-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/eastern-towhee-jack-holly-bartholmai-ess-set-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/eastern-towhee-jack-holly-bartholmai-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/eastern-towhee-jack-holly-bartholmai-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"songbird with black head, rusty side, and white belly\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/eastern_towhee\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Eastern Towhee<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/california_towhee\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/california-towhee-jamie-chavez-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/california-towhee-jamie-chavez-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/california-towhee-jamie-chavez-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/california-towhee-jamie-chavez-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/california-towhee-jamie-chavez-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/california-towhee-jamie-chavez-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"brown songbird clings to wire fence\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/california_towhee\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">California Towhee<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/green-tailed_towhee\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/green-tailed-towhee-darren-clark-ess-set.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/green-tailed-towhee-darren-clark-ess-set-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/green-tailed-towhee-darren-clark-ess-set-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/green-tailed-towhee-darren-clark-ess-set-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/green-tailed-towhee-darren-clark-ess-set-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/green-tailed-towhee-darren-clark-ess-set.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"songbird with rusty cap and greenish back\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/green-tailed_towhee\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Green-tailed Towhee<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group well-gray is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Try a Sparrow ID Course<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sans-font-family\">Identifying the sparrows you see can be a fun and satisfying challenge! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sans-font-family\">Go further with our self-paced, online sparrow ID course covering 49 species in the U.S. and Canada. You&#8217;ll get helpful instruction on tricky IDs, species-by-species videos, and plenty of practice activities. You&#8217;ll be a sparrow ID expert in no time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sans-font-family\"><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.allaboutbirds.org\/product\/be-a-better-birder-sparrow-identification\/\">More about our Sparrow ID course<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bird-academy-sparrow-tout-song-sparrow-michael-long-632057430.jpg\" alt=\"sparrow with text that reads: Be a Better Birder: Sparrow ID. Cornell Lab Bird Academy\" class=\"wp-image-68622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bird-academy-sparrow-tout-song-sparrow-michael-long-632057430.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bird-academy-sparrow-tout-song-sparrow-michael-long-632057430-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bird-academy-sparrow-tout-song-sparrow-michael-long-632057430-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bird-academy-sparrow-tout-song-sparrow-michael-long-632057430-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Song Sparrow by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/632057430\">Michael Long \/ Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sparrows are an identification challenge for birders of all skill levels\u2014but they&#8217;re also subtly beautiful, endlessly interesting to watch, and common. 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