Is a sparrow just a sparrow?
No, there are several different varieties, so look carefully and see if you can identify some of the different sparrows you see.
We have a few different sparrows that visit the garden. There are lots more varieties that we don’t see, but maybe you do.
House sparrows have lived in the front birdhouse for years. This birdhouse is right by the front window and we can watch them build their nest, feed their young, and then watch the young take flight.
The white throated sparrow has a little white bib under its beak, and yellow ‘eyelashes’ along with the black and white striped head.
The white crowned sparrow has the black and white striped head.
The chipping sparrow has a rusty brown cap with a black line from its eye.
The song sparrow has a streaky body and similar markings on its head with the brown stirpe from the eyes.
The tree sparrow has a brown stripe from its eye, a smallish bill and a longish tail.
Other varieties of sparrows (up to 35 in North America alone) that we don’t see in the garden are – lark, savannah, fox, Le Conte’s and more.
This sparrow was not seen in our garden.
The golden crowned sparrow, with the bright yellow on its head, was photographed in our daughter’s backyard in British Columbia a couple of years ago. They have many different species of birds on the west coast so I’m always ready with the camera to take photos.
Stop by Saturday’s Critters to lots of other photos that folks share.
Variety of sparrows
- all sparrows
- chipping sparrows
- house sparrows
- white crowned sparrows
- white throated sparrows
Check out my bird feeders and bird food ideas:
Linda
That’s fascinating Linda I didn’t realise there were so many different varieties, I do know that the sparrow population in England has declined I don’t see half as many as I used to. I’m certainly going to keep a look out and see how many varieties I can see. Your bird photos are always beautiful I always find it hard to get a good one before they fly off.
Crafty Gardener
Thank you. I love taking photos, especially wildlife and flowers.
EileeninMD
Hello Linda,
What a beautiful variety of sparrows and photos. It is hard to pick a favorite, they are all lovely. I am glad to see a post from you. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day! Happy Mother’s Day weekend. PS, thanks for the comment on my post.
Crafty Gardener
Hi Elaine, with the constant lockdowns we are having we just haven’t been out and about as much, so making the mist of the garden and taking photos of the birds in the garden. Have a wonderful weekend.
EileeninMD
Hello, Linda
It is the same here, we have not been many places.
I have been watching the birds outside my windows.
When I can, I take a local walk, it is not crowded with people.
Happy Mother’s Day, enjoy your new week ahead.
Eileen
Jennifer Jilks
Sparrows are so tricky! Lovely post.
Crafty Gardener
Thank goodness for birding in the backyard.
Shannon
Thanks for teaching me about these! I’m always wondering which sparrows are visiting our yard. 🙂
Crafty Gardener
Thanks for stopping by Shannon, hope the post helps you with ID’ing some sparrows.
Anu
Hello. Interesting post. Great photos.
Kim
I don’t think I realized there were so many varieties of sparrows, though the song of the white-throated sparrow has been my favourite birdsong since early childhood. 🙂
Joy
Hello Linda ! … I have to bookmark your post here because it is so helpful with identifying so many birds you post about, thank you !
This morning I was surprised to see our little House Wren on top of the trellis screening right by our deck door singing it’s heart out .. I have never seen it so close to the house before .. it is just such a sweet bird, we are delighted when it picks a bird box in the back garden .. you have to love them all when they help you get rid of bugs in the garden right ? LOL
Margie
I didn’t realize that sparrows were so diverse! My fave is the one with yellow eyelashes!