This streaky brown sparrow has a thin white eyering and flashes white tail feathers in flight; two features unique to the Vesper Sparrow. Incredible to see in flight around the street. Adults are generally grey on top with a white belly. The bill is usually pinkish. The tail feathers are dark with buff edging. Although its most characteristic feature is a small chestnut patch on the shoulder, it's often hidden from view. This year I have one member, whose distal (half) wing feathers are brilliant white, with white stripes on its tail feathers. Underparts: When comparing the bird’s chest, flanks, and abdomen, are they plain, spotted or streaked? Is this a cross breed with a local Northern Mocking bird? A rich, russet-and-gray bird with bold streaks down its white chest, the Song Sparrow is one of the most familiar North American sparrows. Are the outer tail feathers brown or white? The males tend to have darker, more conspicuous markings than the female. Is the end of the tail smooth or notched? He really stood out. I then looked for what people had posted for Google images, which led me to your photo and this thread. Attched is a photo of amale house sparrow with white tail feathers, one of the local females has as much white in eth wing as a snow bunting (but alas no photos of her yet). Slate-colored form is slate-gray overall with darker head. The tail feathers were not all white on the bird I sighted, but just completely edged with white. Ive never seen anything like it. Don’t let the bewildering variety of regional differences this bird shows across North America deter you: it’s one of the first species you should suspect if you see a streaky sparrow in an open, shrubby, or wet area. They may also join mixed flocks with house finches or other sparrow species. Haven't named him yet. He is aggressive. He chases the other birdies away from food. Is the tail held straight or cocked, or is it bobbed or wagged? Dark-eyed Junco: Medium-sized sparrow with considerable geographic color variation, although all exhibit a pink bill, dark eyes, white belly, and dark-centered tail with white outer feathers. Partial albinism is fairly common in sparrows, locally we have them ranging from ones with a single white feather to ones that are mainly white. The Vesper Sparrow inhabits grasslands and fields across much of the northern United States and Canada. Sparrow sized, slate gray plumage with white outer tail feathers. Gray-headed form has gray head, rump, breast, and sides, and rust-brown back. Flock: House sparrows are gregarious birds that are frequently found in flocks ranging from just a few birds to dozens. Maybe Attila? The white outer tail feathers flash distinctively in flight. Here in Philadelphia, for the first time in my life, I saw a male house sparrow with white-edged wings this morning. Wish I could send you a photo. Tail: Is the tail long or short in comparison to the bird’s body length?