Birds Of Broad Ripple: Discerning Differences - by Brandt Carter and Jeffrey L. Stone
posted: Apr. 03, 2025

House Finch and House Sparrow
The bird world can be confusing because we often observe birds quickly and in silhouette. So in this issue let's explore some small birds commonly found in our area and at our feeders. Let's see the difference between the House Finch and House Sparrow. These small birds plentiful and are found in urban and suburban environments, but they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics.
House Finch | House Sparrow |
• Finch Family | • Sparrow Family |
• M: red plumage on head, throat, and chest with remainder brown streaked | • M: Black bib, white cheeks, chestnut brown back and gray crown |
• F:brown and streaked all over, hard to tell the difference from sparrows | • F: Brown and streaky with muted body |
• Size: 5-6 inches long | • Size 6-7 inches long with bit larger wingspan |
• Native to North America | • Native to Eurasia and introduced to North America |
• Song: melodic, warbling song | • Song: less musical and more chirping |
Both will come to your birdfeeder and are not particular about the seed you offer.
Sparrow
image courtesy of Jeffrey L. Stone
Finch
image courtesy of Jeffrey L. Stone
brandt@broadripplegazette.com