The entire North American population of the House Sparrow is descended from a few birds released in New York City's Central Park in 1850. Within a short time after their introduction, these sparrows adapted to their local environments. For example, the sparrows of the rainy climate of Vancouver, British Columbia, are plump and dark, while those in Death Valley, California, are slim, pale, and sand-colored. These changes took less than 60 years.

Look For: Black throat and breast; black, white, rust, and gray on head.

Length: 5-6".

Habitat: Cities, suburbs, farms.

Range: Widespread.