There is often confusion between a house finch male and a purple finch male, the females are a little easier. Here is one of each to show the difference. House Finch ( photo / image / picture from Kildale's Garden ) Purple Finch ( photo / image / picture from Kildale's Garden )
I can see that, from a distance, it would be hard to positively identify the birds apart. However, if you were close enough then the differences become far more apparent. I can see that the Purple finch is darker in colour and the legs are redder. Also it doesn't have the streaking on the lower breast like the House finch. However, I'd hate to give a positive ID from more than a couple of feet away.
Why do you say the females are easier to tell the difference???? I can't tell the difference in either one of them. Barb in Pa.
The purple finch female has a stipe above the eye and is a little more yellowish that the house finch. I even got them on the same log to see other differences too. House Finch female. ( photo / image / picture from Kildale's Garden ) Purple Finch female. ( photo / image / picture from Kildale's Garden )
Thank you for the photos. I have house finches nest on a lamp and purple finches at the feeder. There is hardly a moment when I see them both at the same time, much less see the differences. Jerry
Now, that's a wonderful picture. Can the cat move a little without the birds flying away? Barb in Pa.
Love your pictures. Got book on taking better pictures. The finches here hang on screen. And they get nose to beak with Maddie Mae.
