some kind of sparrow

[SmartWombat]

I'm sure it's not an ordinary house sparrow.

[OldClicker]

Female House Finch? - TF

[mn shutterbug]

Paul, you need to get yourself a bird ID book. I would have to think it's some kind of finch, also.

[SmartWombat]

I have a UK bird book, not one for the USA

[A.M.D.A.]

Yes, it is a female house finch. Purple finch has thicker and more pronounced white "eyebrows".

P.S. If you don't have a bird book for North America, here's an online one which I occasionally use. The images aren't exactly real photos (drawings) but they give you a general idea. Lots of useful information is available, including a great "bird feature" tool that narrows down species as you input known information about the mystery bird. (i.e. stubby bill, red chest, small body size, etc.).

[SmartWombat]

Great website.
What I always wanted to identify birds.
Big/Little, what colour etc.

[paulnj]

If you took this in the US, it is indeed a house finch.