I grew up seeing these birds everywhere. But no matter how many people I ask, no one can tell me what type of bird it is. I’m guessing some type of finch?
I’m in the southern part of Florida, USA, if that’s helpful.
I had one of these sparrows as a pet once. Got it as a baby after a rainstorm. Kept it, fed it, it grew up and lived in our house. We would take it outside while we at playing and she would fly around and always return to my shoulder before it was time to go back.
I can tell she grew up a little funny because she would fly up to birds that weren't her kind. She was accosting this red headed woodpecker who seemed very confused. TWEET TWEET TWEET TWEET at him like a baby.
One day, she decided to stay in the magnolia tree. I gave her loads of time, we left the window open. It was sad but at the same time we were happy because it seemed like she grew up.