Sparrow

[goosey]

I noticed this sparrow yesterday and the lack of patternation on it's back. I don't think that this is a young sparrow getting its adult winter plumag, just an odd adult - what do you think?
(The photo's were taken through the window)

[basquesteve]

I think you have been feeding him too well

[goosey]

Originally Posted by basquesteve

I think you have been feeding him too well

It does look a bit of a podge doesn't it . I think it was just all puffed up keeping the wind out.

[paul m]

Looks as if the wings have failed to grow so either it's a deformity/deficiency in that area or it's a young bird which is out and about too early? Perhaps been eating too much as Steve suggests?

[goosey]

Originally Posted by paul m

Looks as if the wings have failed to grow so either it's a deformity/deficiency in that area or it's a young bird which is out and about too early? Perhaps been eating too much as Steve suggests?

I don't think the wings are deformed, just that its whole appearance is odd, if they are deformed it makes no difference to his ability to fly.
Not a fledgling either, no gape and the piccie was only taken two days ago.

[RoyW]

Absolutely 100% normal in every respect!

It's an asult male House Sparrow, that is fluffed up slightly (perhaps feeling a little cold). Believe it or not, the plain grey lower back and rump is the normal plumage (also plain in females and juveniles, but more of a buff colour in those plumages). The plain back and rump tends to be overlooked because more often than not the wings will be held together over the back - so only the streaked upper back/mantle is visible, and the rest of the back is assumed to be the same.
Search for some more images of House Sparrows and you will find that all of the ones that actually show the lower back are like this (unless those individuals are abnormal!).