Small Brown Birds
Small brown birds can be tricky to identify. This guide helps you distinguish sparrows, wrens, and other small brown species by their unique markings and behaviors.
6 species
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
A familiar backyard bird with the male sporting a rosy-red head, breast, and rump. Originally from the western US, now found across the entire continent after being released in New York in the 1940s.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
An introduced species from Europe, now one of the most widespread birds in the world. Males have a gray crown, black bib, and chestnut nape. Extremely adaptable to urban environments.
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
One of the most widespread and variable sparrows in North America. Named for the male's rich, musical song that begins with several clear notes followed by a trill.
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
A chunky, energetic wren with a loud, ringing 'tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle' song that belies its small size. Warm brown plumage with a bold white eyebrow stripe.
House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
A tiny, plain-looking bird with an enormous, bubbling song. House Wrens are one of the most widespread songbirds in the Western Hemisphere.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
A brood parasite — females lay their eggs in other birds' nests, letting the host species raise their young. Males have glossy black bodies with chocolate-brown heads.