Unknown Sparrow-Sized Bird, Northern Virginia (1 Viewer)

[gsimonel]

I photographed this bird today at Lake Fairfax in northern Virginia, US. It was hanging out in some trees by the lake with some dark-eyed juncos and some cedar waxwings. Despite the spotted chin, I don't think it's a house sparrow. The spots on the breast remind me of a hermit thrush, but the color seems too gray to me. My apologies for the bad angle; these are the only two shots I have. Does anyone have any guesses?

 

[DHayden]

I photographed this bird today at Lake Fairfax in northern Virginia, US. It was hanging out in some trees by the lake with some dark-eyed juncos and some cedar waxwings. Despite the spotted chin, I don't think it's a house sparrow. The spots on the breast remind me of a hermit thrush, but the color seems too gray to me. My apologies for the bad angle; these are the only two shots I have. Does anyone have any guesses?

It looks like a female House Finch.

 

[qwerty5]

Looks more like Purple Finch to me (obvious contrasting supercilium and crisp, bright streaking on chest and belly)

 

[gsimonel]

House finches are much more common around here, but purple finch is a possibility this time of year. I may not be able to tell for sure which it is at this angle.

 

[DHayden]

House finches are much more common around here, but purple finch is a possibility this time of year. I may not be able to tell for sure which it is at this angle.

Your bird is a Purple Finch. I didn't realize you can zoom in on the pictures. By doing that, it does show a contrasting supercilium, which is one of the key features for Purple Finches.