Appearance
House Finches are sparrow-sized birds. Males have reddish coloring combined with heavy brown streaks. Females are brown, with heavy brown streaks on pale underparts.
Similar Birds
House Finches can be confused with Purple Finches. Male House Finches have brown streaking along their sides, unlike the more reddish coloring of male Purple Finches.
Female Purple Finches have a conspicuous pale eyebrow stripe. Female House Finches lack this bold facial marking and appear more plainly patterned.
Color and Food
The red coloring of male House Finches comes from carotenoid pigments in their food. Some individuals appear orange or yellow rather than red, depending on the pigments available in their diet.
Listen to the House Finch
Select Play to hear the finch recording.