There are about three dozen species of sparrows in North America. Look for key identification tips beneath the images of the most common sparrows shown on this page. Click on the image or the name of each bird for more photos, sounds, and detailed information on range and habitat.

		American Tree Sparrow Photo by Jennifer Taggart, PA 2007 GBBC				Chipping Sparrow Photo by Jim Few, FL 2006 GBBC
		Keys to ID: Size: 6 1/4 inches long Rusty-colored cap Gray breast with dark spot Lower half of beak is orange-yellow				Keys to ID: Size: 5 1/2 inches long Rusty red cap Black and white eye lines Clear gray breast, no markings
		Fox Sparrow William Parkin, VA 2007 GBBC				Savannah Sparrow Judy Howle, MS 2007 GBBC
		Keys to ID: Size: 7 inches long Large chubby body Rusty red feathers mixed with gray Heavy striping on breast				Keys to ID: Size: 5 1/2 inches long Whitish or yellowish eyebrow Dark band partially circling eye Pale stripe down the middle of crown
		Field Sparrow Gregg Lee, TX 2007 GBBC				Song Sparrow Photo by Aileen Barnes, MD 2007 GBBC
		Keys to ID: Size: 5 3/4 inches long Bright pink bill Distinct white eyering Gray on the face				Keys to ID: Size: 5 3/4 to 7 1/2 inches long Streaks on breast converge to spot Broad whitish eyebrow Dark stripes border white on throat
		White-crowned Sparrow Photo by Tiny Gehrke, CA 2007 GBBC				White-throated Sparrow Photo by Don Rash, SC 2007 GBBC
		Keys to ID: Size: 7 inches long Black-and-white striped crown Clear gray breast Yellow bill				Keys to ID: Size: 6 3/4 inches long Distinct white bib on throat Yellow patch on eyebrow near bill Clear gray breast
		Male House Sparrow Photo by Donald Metzner, CA 2007 GBBC				Female House Sparrow Photo by Rene Wilbur, NC 2007 GBBC
		Keys to ID: Size: 6 1/4 inches long Black bib Black beak Gray crown				Keys to ID: Size: 6 1/4 inches long Buffy eye stripe Unstreaked breast Overall brown, streaked back