Cf: Better a sparrow in the hand than a vulture on the wing (Br.). A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush (Am.). A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (Am., Br.). A carrot in the hand is worth two in the midden (Br.). A sparrow in the hand is better than a pigeon in the roof (in the sky) (Br.). A sparrow in the hand is worth a pheasant that flies by (Br.)
Русско-английский словарь пословиц и поговорок. Академик.ру. 2013.