I hope the identification is correct.

-suspect that we have a female Purple Finch; the ear patch and distinctive facial pattern look right; the tail is short and well notched. - the Song Sparrow should have a longer, rounded tail and distinct black borders on the facial pattern, including the malar area; it should also have an extended gray eyebrow area. -this is what's fun about this site; we all can help each other to improve our Birding skills.

I am impressed, I don't think I'll ever get that sophisticated when it comes to the finer details. I have had male Purple Finches, so they could be a pair. I do get Song Sparrows as well though, to confuse me :-)

"billybarker"; Field guides are a birder's best friend; I've got many and most have different ways of identifying a species, which allows you to consider identification from many angles; the Geobirds application has an online Field guide, which is convenient. -learning from our mistakes is what we all do! Next time, when you see a bird like this one, you'll probably key on one characteristic- the distinct ear patch; next, you'll go to the striped breast and then the short tail, etc. It also helps to take note of what "other" birds are around (you may see the male and recognize it).