House Sparrows are one of the most common and recognizable birds in Oregon, particularly in urban and suburban environments. They are known for their strong sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look quite different, making them relatively easy to distinguish.

Male House Sparrow:
Head: Distinctive pattern. They have a gray crown (top of the head), white cheeks, and a prominent black bib extending from the throat down to the upper chest.
Nape/Neck: A rich chestnut brown patch on the nape (back of the neck).
Back: Upper back and mantle are a warm brown with broad black streaks.
Underparts: Pale gray to whitish belly and flanks.
Bill: The bill is typically black during the breeding season, though it can be yellowish or horn-colored in non-breeding plumage.
Overall Impression: More brightly colored and boldly patterned than the female.
Status Patch: The size and darkness of the black bib can indicate age and dominance, with larger, darker bibs generally found on older, more dominant males.

Female House Sparrow:
Overall Coloration: Much plainer and more subdued in comparison to the male. They are primarily a dull buffy-brown overall.
Head: Lacks the strong head patterns of the male. No gray crown, white cheeks, or black bib. Instead, the head is plain brown.
Eyebrow Stripe: A noticeable pale buffy or whitish eyebrow stripe (supercilium) above the eye, with a darker line through the eye.
Back: Streaked with buff, black, and brown.
Underparts: Dingy gray-brown underparts, lacking the pale gray of the male.
Bill: Generally a brownish-grey bill, often paler than the male's, and can be yellowish or pinkish horn-colored.
Overall Impression: More cryptic and camouflaged, blending in with their surroundings.

Juvenile House Sparrows:
Young House Sparrows typically resemble the adult female, but are often paler and have less defined markings. Their bills are usually light yellow to straw-colored.

Behavioral Notes (Both Sexes in Oregon):
Social: House Sparrows are highly social birds, often seen in flocks, especially around human habitations.
Vocalizations: They are known for their simple, repetitive chirping calls ("cheep" or "chirrup"). Males may sing a more ecstatic call during the breeding season.
Nesting: They are highly adaptable nesters, often building messy nests in cavities in buildings (e.g., eaves, vents), traffic lights, signs, or even in trees. Both sexes participate in incubating eggs and feeding the young.
Diet: Primarily seed-eaters, they readily consume seeds from grains and weeds, and are common visitors to backyard bird feeders. They also eat insects, especially when feeding their young.
Invasive Species: It's important to note that House Sparrows are not native to North America (they were introduced from Europe in the mid-19th century) and are considered an invasive species. They can be aggressive towards native cavity-nesting birds, sometimes outcompeting or even killing them for nest sites.

In Oregon, you'll find House Sparrows virtually anywhere there are people, from bustling city centers to rural farms. Their distinct plumage makes them one of the easiest birds to sex in the field.