
About Finches and Sparrows . . . .
Finches and sparrows are very similar and it can be difficult to distinguish them apart. Some of their similarities are their general size, their diet and they are commonly seen feeding on the ground or in bushes.
The group of birds that are part of the finch and sparrow families include almost 400 species.
While they are similar there are some noticeable differences.
Finches
Finches are slightly smaller than sparrows, they typically measure between 4 to 6 inches including their tails. Finches and sparrows both eat primarily grans and seeds but finches tend to have smaller bills and prefer smaller seed than sparrows.
Finches are social birds and are more likely to be seen in large flocks or groups of the same species.
Finches typically have splashed of color. Many finches have bright colors that include purples, reds and yellows.
Sparrows
Sparrows typically measure between 5 to 7 inches including their tails. Sparrows generally have longer tails than finches and they flash their tails more frequently than finches.
Sparrows are solitary birds and are more likely to be seen alone or in pairs.
Sparrow have more drab coloration, mostly shades of brown with distinct markings on their heads. Their bodies have bold coloration of black and chestnut with subtle yellow markings.
I will be adding more species of Finches and Sparrows as I am able to see them and photograph them so check back later to see my new photos of these birds.
Finches
Bullfinch
Barbados Bullfinch

Barbados
Canary
Island Canary

Azores, Portugal

Azores, Portugal

Azores, Portugal

Yellow-fronted Canary

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii
Chaffinch
Canary Island Chaffinch

Canary Islands

Common Chaffinch

Czech Republic

Germany

Germany

Greece

Scotland

Dickcissel (Chaffinch)

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas
Finch
Gouldian Finch

Australia

House Finch

Male
Texas

Male
Texas

Female
Texas

Male
Texas

Female & Male
Texas

Female & Male – Staying Warm
Texas

Java Sparrow (actually a Finch)

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Saffron Finch

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Scaly-breasted Munia (Finch)

Juvenile
Texas

Juvenile
Texas

Adult
Texas

Juvenile
Texas

Juvenile
Texas

Adult
Texas

Thick-billed Seed Finch

Female & Male
Costa Rica
Goldfinch
American Goldfinch

Texas

Texas

Breeding Male
Colorado

Breeding Male
Colorado

Texas

Texas

European Goldfinch

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

Lesser Goldfinch

Texas

Texas
Greenfinch
European Greenfinch

Germany

Germany

Germany

New Zealand

Oriental Greenfinch

Japan

Japan
Waxbill
Common Waxbill

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii
Sparrows
Sparrows
Black-throated Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Chipping Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Vietnam

South Korea

Japan

Japan

Japan

Vietnam

Field Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

House Sparrow

Male
Australia

Male
Texas

Female
Texas

Female
Washington DC

Male
New Zealand

Male
Texas

Italian Sparrow

Male
Italy

Female
Italy

Female
Italy

Male
Italy

Male
Italy

Male
Italy

Lark Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Nelson’s Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Savannah Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Song Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Swamp Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Vesper Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

White-crowned Sparrow

Juvenile
Texas

Adult
New Mexico

Juvenile
New Mexico

Juvenile (staying warm)
Texas

Juvenile
Texas

Adult
Texas

White-throated Sparrow

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas
Towhee
Abert’s Towhee

Arizona

Arizona

Arizona

Canyon Towhee

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Spotted Towhee

New Mexico

New Mexico

New Mexico

New Mexico

New Mexico

New Mexico
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