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PurpleÌýFinches aren’tÌýpurple, and HouseÌýFinches don’t stick toÌýhouses. But that’s only the start of the confusion aroundÌýthese two doppelgangers. A red and brownÌýbird at your feeder might be either one throughout muchÌýof the United States.ÌýSo how can we tell them apart?

First, consult a map. HouseÌýFinches are common and widespread across most of North America, including Hawaii. Meanwhile, PurpleÌýFinches nest in Canada, along the Pacific, and in the Northeast.ÌýIn winter they migrate as far south as Florida, but they don't typically visit the Interior West at any time of year. To see each bird's range, visit our online field guide, or download our free ÃÛèÖAPP bird guide app.Ìý

Even experts get flummoxed byÌýfinches, but don’t despair. With a littleÌýpractice, you can learn the clearest fieldÌýmarks for each of these species. Click or tap on the dots on the photos and let them guide you.

House Finch

Purple Finch

A few more notes: Color is helpful, butÌýit varies among individuals, so use caution.ÌýFemales and young males of both species are simply brown and white, and can be especially tricky. FemaleÌýPurpleÌýFinches have a well-definedÌýwhite mark above each eye and are more crisply patterned.ÌýAs always, structure and behavior are also useful.Ìý

Gradually, it will become easier to identify theseÌýfinches—but don’t get overconfident. Separating them requires care; you need to depend onÌýmultiple characteristics to confirm each ID.

One last caveat: In the Interior West, the Cassin’sÌýFinch—a third look-alike—is also thrown into the mix. It generally doesn't overlap with theÌýPurpleÌýFinch, which is fortunate because theÌýtwo are remarkably similar. (Cassin’s has a longer, straighter beak and a noticeable eye ring.)ÌýBut there are a few places where it's possible to see any of theÌýthree redÌýfinches! Among high-elevation conifer forests in westernÌýMontana to northwestern New Mexico and Nevada, Cassin’s is the most likely of the trio.

The good news is that all three of theseÌýfinches loveÌýsunflower seeds. Even on the coldest days, they willÌýstick around, brightening up the yard with animated flashes of color. So as long as you have aÌýfeeder, you'll have plenty of opportunities toÌýstudy up.