House Sparrows are not related to other North American sparrows, and they’re differently shaped. House Sparrows are chunkier, fuller in the chest, with a larger, rounded head, shorter tail, and stouter bill than most American sparrows. Male House Sparrows are brightly colored birds with gray heads, white cheeks, a black bib, and rufous neck. They are an invasive species introduced in New York City from England in 1852.