BIRD INDEX
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
Start with these clues
Check for streaked flanks even on red-fronted males.
- Relative size
- Small
- Look around
- Shrubs, Trees
- Region and season
- Widespread around towns; local presence varies.
Compare carefully
Purple Finch females often have a bolder face pattern.
A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.
Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.
What to check first
- On a brown bird, start with a side view of the face. House Finch usually has a plainer face than Purple Finch.
- A head-on view can hide the flank streaks. Wait for the bird to turn and check the face and lower flanks together.