Well, it’s a mystery to me! 🙂
Saw a LOT of these birds across the street. I got close enough to get shots but they are well hidden birds and it’s hard to get a good shot.
At first, I thought I might have two different birds there but I don’t think that’s likely. They were a flock of sparrow-like birds. They retreated to nearby trees when startled but were feeding happily on the ground under the redwoods. I thought perhaps Fox Sparrows but I’ve seen a lot of Fox Sparrows and these guys didn’t act like them. The Fox Sparrows I’ve watched in the past do a lot of digging while the forage. These guys were not doing that. Then I thought they might be Song Sparrows but that doesn’t seem right either. They have such a big beak that I’m very puzzled.
They look a little bit like Finches but they were 100% feeding on the ground. It’s quite odd, really. Any clues?
PS. If you are interested, I’ve updated my blog on our remodel efforts. Lots of changes! {click}
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Liza Lee Miller 
hard to judge size with this picture! First thought for me was Rose-breasted Grosbeak and second thought was Savannah Sparrow but it also looks like a Purple Finch! Great quiz you have and will check back to see what others think!
They looke like female purple finches to me.
Finches and sparrows always confuse me. I agree with Tom and Lynne – purple finch. I’ve only seen photos of them.
I think that the wing bars pose a problem for a Purple Finch. Maybe a Cassin’s Finch.
I’m pretty sure those are female purple finches. Sometimes they do feed on the ground. Isn’t birding fun? You get to solve mysteries all the time!