Figuring Out Two Confusing Feeder Finches – Purple Finch vs House Finch

By Myrna Pearman, Mother Nature’s Naturalist and Backyard Birding Expert

British Columbia is home to two species of finches that are so similar in both size and appearance that they are often confused with each other.

Purple Finches, which are found year-round on the Lower Mainland as well as across the southern regions of Vancouver Island, have several characteristics that separate them from House Finches. House Finches are also resident on the Lower Mainland but are restricted to the eastern parts of the Island.

Male Purple Finch

The male Purple Finch sports a raspberry/cranberry red head, breast and back. His coloration is much richer than that of the male House Finch, which can vary in colour from orangish to rosy-red, with the coloration concentrated around his face and upper breast. House Finch backs, bellies and tails are brown streaked.

Male House Finch feeding young

The females of the two species are more difficult to tell apart as they are both brownish and streaked. However, the female Purple Finch has a very bold face pattern, with two white stripes stretching from her beak to the nape of her neck. The streaking on her breast and flanks is more distinct. The drab little female House Finch lacks any distinctive pattern or coloration other than having finer streaks than the female Purple Finch.

Female House Finch

While House Finches commonly nest in urban areas, sometimes in wreaths or the dense branching of coniferous shrubs and trees, Purple Finches tend to prefer more forested areas.

Both of these finch species are beautiful songsters and both will brighten up backyards with their April arias. They will also visit bird feeding stations that offer sunflower seeds and sunflower seed blends.

Have more questions? Visit your local Buckerfield's and we'll be happy to help!