House Finch vs Purple Finch
House finch or purple finch at the feeder?
The quick tell
On the males, look at where the red stops. A House Finch male is red on the head and chest with plain brown streaky flanks and belly, as if the red was rinsed on. A Purple Finch male is washed raspberry-red all over, head, back, and wings, with little brown streaking. The females are easier: a Purple Finch female has a bold face pattern, a House Finch female a plain one.
Field marks, side by side
| House Finch | Purple Finch | |
|---|---|---|
| Male color | Red on head and chest; brown streaky sides | Raspberry wash over the whole bird, including the back |
| Female face | Plain, blurry brown; little pattern | Bold white eyebrow and dark cheek patch |
| Flank streaks | Clear brown streaks down the sides | Blurry, with a cleaner overall look |
| Bill and shape | Longer bill, flatter-headed look | Stubbier bill, peaked head, chunkier |
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Get Huck - freeCommon questions
Which is more common at feeders?
In most of North America the House Finch is far more common and present all year, while the Purple Finch is more of a winter visitor to much of its range. A red finch at a city or suburban feeder is usually a House Finch.
How do I separate the females?
The face is the giveaway. A female Purple Finch has a strong face pattern, a pale eyebrow and a dark cheek, over crisp streaks. A female House Finch is plain-faced with soft, blurry brown streaking and no obvious eyebrow.