Can you tell from the picture? My recollection is that I didn't notice it being any larger than the house finches which are our most common winter visitor. It looks like the chipping sparrows we see in summer, but I read that they are unusual here (Iowa) in winter. I've looked at more than one guide, but can't tell.
American Tree - note the grey eyebrow, and the orangey shoulder patch. Also Chipping would still be in winter plumage (brown, not orange, crown) at this time of year.
Resin
There's also the bi-colored bill of the American Tree Sparrow.
Resin, I'd not ever paid attention to the shoulder patch before. Another marking to help with the ID. :) Last year we saw our first Chippings the end of March, so it won't be long now.
Thanks for the quick response, Resin. I especially appreciate your telling me what to look for,
