The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It's free, fun, and easy-and it helps the birds."

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What's That Sparrow? 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 Don Rash, SC 2007 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

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