House Sparrow look-alikes
Passer domesticus or Spizella passerina (examples)
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the House Sparrow. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
Key differences
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow has a chestnut crown (not grey), a distinct black spot on its white cheek, and two prominent white wing bars. It is generally less associated with human structures than the House Sparrow and prefers more rural or semi-wooded habitats.
American Tree Sparrow
Spizella arborea
Key differences
Found only in North America. It has a rusty cap, a bicolored bill (dark upper, yellow lower), and a dark spot on its unstreaked breast. It is a New World sparrow, not closely related to the Old World House Sparrow.
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Key differences
Found in North America. It has a rusty cap, a prominent white supercilium, and a black line through the eye. Its underparts are plain grey, and its back is streaked. It lacks the black bib of the male House Sparrow and the plain face of the female House Sparrow.
Female/Juvenile Finches (e.g., House Finch)
Haemorhous mexicanus
Key differences
Female House Finches are streaked all over, including the underparts, and lack the plain buffy-grey belly of female House Sparrows. They also have a more conical, less stout bill. Males are easily distinguished by their red plumage.
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