Discover the 10 Most Common Types of Sparrows

Curious about the different types of sparrows in your backyard? Need help identifying these common yet often confusing birds? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Sparrows are some of the most common birds in the world. But telling different types of sparrows apart can be challenging. That’s why we created this article to introduce you to the 10 most common types of sparrows you’re likely to see.

You’ll learn about each species’ unique features, habitats, seasonal presences, behaviors, and food preferences. Whether you’re watching birds at your feeder or exploring local parks, this article will help you identify the sparrows you see. Let’s get started!

How many types of sparrows are there?
The 10 most common types of sparrows
Closing remarks

How many types of sparrows are there?

Sparrow is a common name for small birds that look similar, even though they may not be closely related. These birds belong to two main groups. The first is the Old World Sparrows from the family Passeridae. The second is the New World Sparrows from the family Passerellidae.

According to the IOC World Bird List version 14.2, there are 43 species in Passeridae and 140 species in Passerellidae. But, not all species in these families are called sparrows. Some birds with different names, like snowfinches and bush tanagers, also belong to these families. Of all these species, only 102 have “sparrow” in their English names: 33 in Passeridae and 69 in Passerellidae.

The total number of sparrows worldwide is hard to pin down. Based on Partners in Flight (PIF) data (enter “sparrow” under “English Name”), there are about 2.2 billion sparrows globally, with 1.3 billion in the USA/Canada. But this data only covers 36 sparrow species. And there are also other estimates about sparrow populations. For example, a 2021 study in PNAS estimates 1.6 billion House Sparrows worldwide, while PIF counts 740 million.

Sparrows live in many parts of the world. Some stay in one place year-round, while others migrate with the seasons. Humans have also moved sparrows to new places. The House Sparrow, for instance, was brought to North America in the 1850s to help control insect pests. Now, House Sparrows are found worldwide.

The 10 most common types of sparrows

For this article, we’ll focus on the 10 most numerous types of sparrows, based on PIF data. The PIF data does have its limitations, but it’s the most wide-ranging and credible data we’ve found so far. All PIF data in this article was accessed in December 2024.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Among all types of sparrows, the House Sparrow is the most numerous globally. As mentioned earlier, PIF estimates there are 740 million House Sparrows worldwide, with 93 million in the US/Canada. Meanwhile, a 2021 study in PNAS suggests the global population might be as high as 1.6 billion.

Male and female House Sparrows look quite different. Males sport a gray crown, chestnut-colored back, and a black bib (throat patch) that grows larger during breeding season. Females are plainer, with an overall grayish-brown color and a pale stripe behind the eye.

You can find these sparrows almost everywhere people live: in cities, towns, and farms. They’re especially common around buildings, parking lots, city parks, and backyard feeders. They rarely venture into forests or undisturbed natural areas. Unlike many birds, House Sparrows don’t migrate and can be seen year-round in the same areas.

These social birds gather in noisy flocks and are known for their bold behavior around humans. They hop rather than walk on the ground. They can be quite aggressive at bird feeders, where they make simple cheeping calls.

Their diet consists mainly of seeds, especially from grasses and grains. They also eat insects during spring and summer. At feeders, they particularly enjoy sunflower seeds and millet.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is one of the most common types of sparrows in the world. According to PIF, there are about 250 million of these birds worldwide. But they’re quite rare in the USA/Canada, with only about 150,000 birds found there.

These small birds look like House Sparrows, but you can tell them apart easily. They have chocolate-brown caps and white cheeks with a black spot. Unlike House Sparrows, both males and females look the same.

In North America, you can find these sparrows in parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. They were brought to St. Louis from Germany in 1870. They’re much more common in their native range across Europe and Asia. Unlike House Sparrows, they’re less common in busy city centers. They prefer open woodland edges, farmland, and parks.

In North America, you can see these sparrows all year round as they don’t migrate. But, some populations in northern Europe and Asia do migrate south for the winter. They’re social birds that usually gather in small flocks. They’re not as bold around humans as House Sparrows, and they tend to be more careful at feeders.

When feeding, they hop on the ground or cling to plants to eat seeds. During spring and summer, they also catch insects, especially to feed their young. At bird feeders, they love small seeds like millet and sunflower chips. In the wild, they eat mostly grass and weed seeds.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

The Chipping Sparrow is one of the most common types of sparrows in North America. According to PIF, the global population of these birds is about 240 million. Nearly all of them (about 230 million) are found in the USA/Canada.

These small sparrows change their looks with the seasons. In summer, breeding adults have a bright rusty-red cap, a black line through the eye, and clean white eyebrows. Their underparts are plain gray, and their backs are streaked brown. In winter, their colors become duller, with the red cap turning more brownish. Males and females look alike, though females might be slightly duller.

You can find these friendly birds in open woodlands, parks, gardens, and suburban areas. They especially like areas with scattered trees and shrubs. In cities, they’re common in neighborhoods with plenty of trees. They’re regular visitors to backyard bird feeders.

Most Chipping Sparrows move south for the winter. Birds from Canada and the northern United States fly to the southern states and Mexico. But some birds in warmer areas stay year-round. During migration and winter, they often gather in large flocks.

These sparrows got their name from their distinctive call: a rapid series of chips that sounds like a sewing machine. They’re usually gentle birds that hop around on the ground, looking for food. During breeding season, males sing from high perches in trees.

They eat mainly seeds, especially in winter. Small seeds like grass and weed seeds are their favorites. In summer, they also catch lots of insects, which they feed to their young. At feeders, they prefer smaller seeds like millet and cracked sunflower seeds.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

Savannah Sparrows rank high among the most common types of sparrows in North America. PIF data show their global population stands at 170 million birds. Virtually all of them make their home in the USA/Canada.

These sparrows have streaky brown feathers that help them blend in with grass. Their key features include a pale yellow stripe above the eye and a short, notched tail. Their chests and sides have brown streaks on a white background. Males and females look almost the same, though males might sing more often.

Unlike many other sparrows that visit backyards, Savannah Sparrows prefer open country. You’ll find them in meadows, grasslands, prairie, coastal marshes, and farm fields. They avoid forests and urban areas, though they might visit airports or large grassy parks.

Most Savannah Sparrows migrate south for the winter. Northern birds travel to the southern United States and Mexico. But some southern populations stay in place year-round. During migration, they often gather in small flocks.

These birds are less shy compared to many other grassland sparrows. Males sing from exposed perches, like fence posts or tall grass stems, especially in the morning and evening. Their song is a buzzy combination of chips and trills. When disturbed, they fly low and quickly drop back into grass cover.

Insects make up most of their summer diet, including grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. In winter, they switch mainly to seeds from grasses and weeds. They rarely visit bird feeders, preferring to find food in their natural grassland habitats.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

The White-throated Sparrow is among the most common types of sparrows in North America. PIF data estimate the global population of these birds at 160 million. They are primarily found in the USA/Canada.

These sparrows feature the bright white throat patch that gives them their name. They have a gray breast, brown streaked back, and two head stripes that can be either white or tan. These stripes are separated by black stripes. Males and females look similar, though males often sing more frequently.

During summer breeding season, you’ll find them in Canada’s boreal forests and the northern United States. In winter, they move south to the eastern and central states. You can spot them in woodland edges, brushy areas, parks, and backyards with shrubs. They’re regular visitors to bird feeders in winter.

These sparrows are ground feeders that hop along while searching for food. When startled, they often fly into nearby bushes for cover. They’re social birds, usually seen in small groups during winter. Their song is famous and easy to remember. It sounds like “Oh sweet, Canada, Canada, Canada” or “Poor Sam, peabody, peabody, peabody.”

In summer, they eat lots of insects, especially caterpillars and beetles. During fall and winter, they switch to a diet of seeds and berries. At feeders, they prefer to eat on the ground, picking up fallen sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. They often scratch the ground with both feet at once, hopping to uncover hidden food.

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

When exploring common types of sparrows in North America, you’re likely to encounter the Song Sparrow. PIF estimates place their global numbers at 130 million birds. Almost all of them live in the US/Canada.

These sparrows have a streaky appearance that can vary depending on where they live. Their basic pattern includes brown streaks on a white or grayish breast, sometimes forming a central spot or “stickpin.”

They have a brown back with darker streaks. Their head shows a gray stripe between brown stripes. Males and females look alike, but males are the ones that sing the complex songs that give this species its name.

You can find Song Sparrows almost anywhere with shrubs and open ground. They live in gardens, marsh edges, forest borders, desert washes, and even city parks. They’re not shy about visiting bird feeders, especially when there’s brush nearby for cover.

In the northern parts of their range, Song Sparrows migrate south for the winter. But many birds in the central and southern United States stay in the same area year-round. During winter, they often join mixed flocks with other sparrows.

These birds hop on the ground to feed. They often come out into the open but stay close to cover. They’re well-known for their beautiful songs, which males sing throughout the day, especially in spring. Each male knows several different song variations.

Their diet includes a mix of seeds and insects. In summer, they eat many insects and spiders. During fall and winter, they switch mainly to seeds. At feeders, they enjoy smaller seeds like millet and cracked corn, often feeding on the ground below the feeder.

Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

Though not as abundant as some other types of sparrows, Lincoln’s Sparrows still have an impressive number. PIF data count about 88 million of these birds globally. They are primarily found in the USA/Canada.

These sparrows are finely streaked with a distinctive look. Their breast has thin, crisp brown streaks on a buffy background. They have a gray-brown face with a brown crown stripe. Males and females look identical, making them hard to tell apart.

During the summer breeding season, you’ll find them in wet meadows and bogs across Canada, Alaska, and the western United States. In winter, they move south to the southern states and Mexico, where they hide in dense brush and weedy fields.

Lincoln’s Sparrows are shy and secretive birds. They often stay hidden in thick vegetation, making them harder to spot than many other sparrows. When disturbed, they quickly dive into cover. During migration, you might see them skulking through brushy areas.

Their sweet, musical song is similar to a House Wren’s, with quick trills and warbles. Males usually sing from hidden perches within bushes rather than out in the open.

These sparrows eat mainly insects during breeding season, including beetles, flies, and caterpillars. In fall and winter, they switch to a diet of seeds from grasses and weeds. They rarely visit bird feeders, preferring to find food in their natural habitats.

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

Among the handsome types of sparrows in North America, the White-crowned Sparrow stands out with its striking head pattern. According to PIF data, about 79 million of these elegant birds live globally. Their population is primarily found in the USA/Canada.

These sparrows are easy to identify, thanks to their bold black and white striped crown. Adults have gray faces and breasts, brown-streaked backs, and long tails. Young birds wear brown and tan crown stripes instead of black and white. Males and females look alike, though males do most of the singing.

You’re likely to spot these birds in open or brushy areas. During summer, they breed in Alaska, northern Canada, and high mountains of the western United States. In winter, they move south to the contiguous United States and Mexico. Some populations living along the Pacific Coast stay in the same area year-round.

White-crowned Sparrows spend much of their time on the ground or in low bushes. They often hop rather than walk, scratching at the ground to uncover food. During migration and winter, they gather in small flocks, sometimes mixing with other sparrows. Males sing a clear, whistled song that varies depending on where they’re from.

These birds adapt their diet to the seasons. In summer, they feast on insects and other small creatures. During fall and winter, they switch mainly to seeds and berries. When visiting backyard feeders, they prefer to feed on the ground, eating scattered millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds. They also readily eat grass and weed seeds in fields and along roadsides.

Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)

The Black-throated Sparrow is one of the most distinctive types of sparrows in North America. PIF data show a global population of about 62 million birds. Roughly half of them (around 31 million) live in the USA and Canada. The rest are found in Mexico.

These sparrows are desert beauties with a striking appearance. They have a crisp black throat patch, bright white face stripes, and a clean gray body. Unlike many other sparrows, they’re not streaky at all. Males and females look the same, making it hard to tell them apart.

You’ll find these desert specialists in dry, open areas with scattered shrubs. They prefer places with creosote bush, cacti, and other desert plants. They can be found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Some good spots include the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave deserts.

Most Black-throated Sparrows stay in the same area year-round. But some birds in the northern parts of their range may move south for winter. During the breeding season, males sing from exposed perches on desert shrubs, often early in the morning or late in the evening.

These active birds hop and run on the ground between desert shrubs, usually in pairs or small family groups. They’re not shy and often allow close approach. Their clear, tinkling song adds a musical note to the desert landscape.

Their diet includes a mix of seeds and insects. They eat many small seeds from desert plants, especially during winter. In spring and summer, they catch more insects, particularly when feeding their young. They rarely visit bird feeders. They get most of their food from their natural desert habitat.

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)

The Clay-colored Sparrow is one of the more subtle types of sparrows found across North America’s grasslands. PIF data count about 60 million of these birds globally. Nearly all of them are found in the USA/Canada.

These small sparrows have plain yet distinctive feathers that match their grassland home. They have a gray-buff breast and a pale brown back with dark streaks. A gray ruff surrounds their neck, and there’s a pale stripe above the eye. Males and females look alike, though it’s the males that deliver the distinctive buzzy songs.

During the summer breeding season, you’ll find these sparrows in the northern Great Plains and some parts of Canada. They prefer areas with scattered shrubs and grasslands at this time. When winter comes, they head south to Mexico and Texas, gathering in brushy fields and desert grasslands.

Clay-colored Sparrows often stay hidden in dense brush, making short flights between cover. During migration and winter, they form flocks with other small sparrows. In the breeding season, males sing from exposed perches. They make a distinctive buzzing sound that is similar to that of insects.

These birds are ground feeders that hop along searching for food. In summer, they eat lots of insects, especially when raising their young. During fall and winter, they switch to a diet heavy in seeds from grasses and weeds. They prefer foraging in their natural grassland habitats over visiting bird feeders.

Closing remarks

As you’ve seen, different types of sparrows have their own unique features and habits. Some, like House Sparrows and Song Sparrows, often visit backyards. Others, like Lincoln’s Sparrows and Black-throated Sparrows, prefer natural habitats.

When trying to identify types of sparrows, look at key features like head patterns, breast markings, and behavior. Binoculars and a field guide can help you spot the details that make each one unique.

Keep in mind that many sparrows change their look with the seasons. Young birds can look different from adults. With practice and patience, you’ll get better at identifying these fascinating birds.