HOSP ID Help

john e · Sat Apr 19, 2014 7:25 am

I thought I was shooting a HOSP this morning but afraid I made a mistake.
The bird I shot was identical to a HOSP with size, shape and color of wings.
The difference was this little bird had a touch of red, very slight. Can some one identify what type of bird this was? Any suggestions as to how to avoid doing this in the future? In the early morning it was sure hard to see even with binoculars.

Thanks for the help.

John

Louise Chambers · Sat Apr 19, 2014 7:50 am

Could it have been a house finch? http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/house_finch/id

Best solution is to never shoot unless you are positive it is a house sparrow, and to become familiar with native sparrows and songbirds that are similar in size and color to house sparrow. This link from sialis.org is helpful: http://www.sialis.org/otherbrownbirds.htm

Also note behavior - no native sparrows will nest in a birdhouse or fight with martins. Many of them will come to feeders, which is a good chance to learn to ID them.

Jose Rodriguez · Sat Apr 19, 2014 7:58 am

Sorry to hear that! I agree with Louise 100%

jr 2 · Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:02 am

I have an harris sparrow that has been nesting in my everygreen for about 4 years;it has eggs now;;;;it even has a black spot under the neck like a male hs but the spot is not as big as the one on an hs and it also has a long tail and a different voice than a house sparrow;;jr2

kehunter · Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:18 am

Purple Finch is another possibility. They tend to be a little more subtle in their coloration, as compared to House Finches.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/hofi/hofivspufi.htm