id help sparrow and juvenile bird south of finland (1 Viewer)

Helo everyone!

I have seen two birds this autumn that I have not been able to identify, and hoping maybe someone here would be able to help me.

The first is a sparrow-like bird I saw in Helsinki in october. It was in company with a flock of house sparrows waiting for breadcrumbs at a cafe. It was the same size and had the same behavior as a house sparrow, but with dark brown head.

The second I saw in my hometown 80km southwest of Helsinki. The closest I can guess is that it maybe is a juvenile redpoll?? I have never seen this bird before. it is not the best of photos, but I hope it is good enough to id.

I am very thankful for all the help you can give!

Jenny

1. a young house sparrow, maybe stained or slightly melanistic.
2. siskin.

House Sparrow - presumably a melanistic individual, or with some staining on its feathers

Siskin, female / immature.

Thank you so much for your help lou and Nutcracker!! Apparently I have seen the siskin before, in Spain, but that was an adult male, thats why I did not think of it… I did not know we had them in Finland as well! I never seen a house sparrow with such a dark head before, so now I learned something new! Thank you again!!

Siskins are actually a lot commoner in Finland than in Spain!