Is the above bird same as this one?

Btw, these pics were taken in the burbs of Chicago.

The first pic looks like a Fox Sparrow to me. I only see them a few times a year during migration and one came through my yard a few days ago.

Scroll down to the Field Marks section on the Cornell link.

Claire

First one is a Fox Sparrow, behavior of double foot scratching is pretty diagnostic as is that big central breast spot and two-toned bill. The second picture is not the same bird and from what I can see of the back, it could be a White-crowned Sparrow immature molting into adult plumage, but hard to tell in the photo.

Thanks Claire and whwo!

Fox sparrow it is. The 2nd picture might also be that of an immature/juvenile fox sparrow. Here is a closeup:

These birds are very active and furtive. Hopefully they will stick around for a few days.

Thanks

Shyamala

That looks like a molting White-throated Sparrow. I can see faint yellow lores (spots above/in front of eye) which suggests that species.

Thanks whwo - I generally see the WT-sparrows during Fall migration. These two kinds of sparrows were here only for 2-3 days and have since left. The brown headed cowbirds also came and left. Juncos are still here though. No sign of other migrants yet - we generally see Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Towhees, and the House Wrens which generally stay and nest here. I am keeping a sharp eye out for them!

Shyamala