House finches and house sparrows are two small songbirds that are commonly found around homes and urban areas across much of North America. Though they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences to help distinguish these two species.
Size and Shape
The most noticeable difference between house finches and house sparrows is their size and proportions. House finches are smaller and more slender than house sparrows. An adult house finch measures 4.7-6.3 inches in length and weighs between 0.6-1.1 ounces. House sparrows are chunkier, with adults measuring 5.9-6.7 inches in length and weighing 1-1.5 ounces.
When perched, house finches have a more elongated, cone-shaped bill and a sleeker, rounder head profile. House sparrows have a shorter, stouter bill and a fuller, dome-shaped head.
In flight, house finches have longer, more pointed wings and a flat, forked tail. House sparrows have shorter, more rounded wings and a shorter tail that is slightly notched at the end.
Plumage
Adult male house finches have bright red plumage on their head, upper breast and rump. Their undersides fade to a light tan, with heavy streaking on the flanks. Females and juveniles are brown-streaked overall with a plain face, though females may show very faint red on the head.
House sparrows have much duller, grayish-brown plumage overall on both sexes, with bold black streaking on the back and wings. Males have some black markings on the face and throat. Females lack any distinctive facial markings.
Behaviors
House finches are lively, social birds that congregate in large flocks. They can often be seen perching prominently and calling from wires, roof peaks, and the tops of vegetation. Their flight pattern is bouncy and undulating.
House sparrows are also quite social, forming noisy flocks that stay close to cover. They prefer to spend most of their time on the ground or making short, direct flights between perches. Their flight style is described as swift and darting.
Habitats
Both species thrive in human-modified habitats like suburbs, farms, and parks. However, house finches tend to frequent more open, landscaped areas while house sparrows stick closer to buildings.
House finches often feed in small flocks at backyard bird feeders. House sparrows may visit feeders but are more likely to forage for seeds and insects around structures. House finches are also drawn to sources of water like fountains and birdbaths.
Songs and Calls
House finch songs are complex warbles, twitters, and trills. Their call notes include sharp, high-pitched “cheep” sounds. House sparrows make much simpler, repetitive chirping calls along with buzzy “chur-chur” sounds.
Here is a quick comparison of some key traits between the two species:
| Trait | House Finch | House Sparrow |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller, more slender | Chunkier, fuller-bodied |
| Shape | Longer, pointed bill; sleek head; longer, pointed wings; forked tail | Shorter, stouter bill; domed head; shorter, rounded wings; slightly notched tail |
| Plumage | Males with bright red on head, breast, rump; streaked brown belly; females plain brown with faint red | Males and females dull gray-brown with heavy streaks |
| Behavior | Gregarious; perches prominently on wires and vegetation tops; bouncy flight | Gregarious; stays close to cover; swift, darting flight |
| Habitat | Open, landscaped areas; frequent feeders and birdbaths | Around structures; less likely at feeders |
| Calls | Warbling songs, sharp “cheep” calls | Simple chirping and buzzy “chur-chur” |
Range and Distribution
House finches and house sparrows share much of the same range today across North America, but they took very different paths to get here. House finches are native to western regions of North America. In the 1940s, some captive birds were released in New York City, allowing them to spread through the east. House sparrows are an introduced species first brought to North America from Europe in the 1850s to control crop pests. They quickly spread across the continent.
Both species are now abundant year-round residents across most of the United States (except for some southeastern states) and southern Canada. They have also been introduced to Hawaii. House finches are more common in western areas, while house sparrows tend to be more numerous in the central and eastern regions. The two species may overlap in range, but house finches have adapted more readily to urban and suburban habitats.
House Finch
Native range: Western North America
Introduced range: Eastern and central North America, Hawaii
House Sparrow
Native range: Europe, Africa, and Asia
Introduced range: Widespread across North America, Hawaii, South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand
Nesting
House finches and house sparrows both nest early in the spring. However, they choose quite different nesting sites.
House finches often nest in protected nooks on buildings, like window ledges or porch rafters. They will also nest in the branches of trees, in hanging flower pots, or on top of light fixtures. The female house finch builds a nest of twigs, stems, grass, and feathers, then lines it with soft materials like horse hair or wool.
In contrast, house sparrows almost exclusively nest in cavities or enclosed spaces in or around buildings. Common nest sites include holes in walls, gaps under eaves, and inside dense hedges or vines. The nest is a bulky dome structure built from grass, weeds, debris, and feathers.
House Finch Nest Facts
- Open nests with a compact cup shape
- Made of interwoven twigs, stems, grass
- Lined with soft feathers, horse hair, wool
- Favored sites are ledges, branches, eaves, hanging pots
House Sparrow Nest Facts
- Enclosed dome nests with side entrance
- Made of grass, weeds, debris, feathers
- Built in cavities including holes, crevices, vine tangles
- Almost always associated with buildings
Eggs
Female house finches lay 3 to 6 pale bluish or greenish eggs with dark markings. House sparrow eggs are light tan to white with heavy grayish-brown spotting.
House finch eggs are approximately: 0.8 x 0.6 inches
House sparrow eggs are approximately: 0.8 x 0.6 inches
So while the egg size is nearly identical, house finch eggs tend to be a bit more colorful versus the plainer, earth-toned sparrow eggs.
Conservation Status
House finches are prolific and adaptable birds that remain common and widespread. They are classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. In fact, the house finch population increased significantly after its introduction to eastern North America.
Similarly, house sparrows are classified as Least Concern and remain abundant. Their populations even benefitted from human activities like agriculture and urbanization. However, house sparrows compete with native birds and their aggressive habits make them a nuisance species for many.
House Finch
IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern
House Sparrow
IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern
Conclusion
House finches and house sparrows can be tricky to distinguish at first, but careful observation reveals several key differences in their size, shape, plumage, behaviors, nesting habits, and more. House finches tend to be smaller, sleeker, and more colorful than house sparrows. They favor open, prominent perches and make intricate cup nests, while house sparrows stick closer to cover with their darting flight and nest out of sight in cavities. Becoming familiar with these two species takes practice, but their unique traits and characteristics give plenty of clues to tell them apart.
