BIRD INDEX

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

Start with these clues

Check the strong eyebrow on brown birds and broadly rosy color on many males.

Relative size: Small
Look around: Trees, Shrubs
Region and season: Northern and Pacific regions, with variable winter movements.

House Finch males tend to have browner, more streaked flanks.

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.

On a brown bird, look for a pale eyebrow and dark cheek pattern together.
Shade can obscure facial contrast. If the face is hidden, leave it unchecked rather than relying on breast streaks alone.