The identification of these three finches of the Carpodacus genus can be extremely difficult. Each species is about the same size and shape, each is colored red with varying degrees of brown streaking, and each is common to feeder areas. What's more, the ranges of these birds overlap quite a bit, primarily owing to the ubiquitous distribution of the House Finch. In certain areas of the West, it is possible to encounter all three species! Use the chart below to compare and contrast the features of each finch. Visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Online Bird Guide  to find species accounts that detail the range, habitat, and food preferences of each species.

Slimmer body with short, stubby bill with curved culmen; longer tail faintly notched. Read more

Plumper body with short, conical beak; shorter, deeply notched tail (Pacific birds have larger bills similar to Cassin's). Read more

Slightly larger, chunkier body with large head; shorter, deeply notched tail; slightly longer beak is heavy and conical with nearly straight culmen. Read more

-intensity of red color varies in males from yellow to orange to red; observer should rely on pattern of color

-"headband" of red with brown cap and brown cheek patch;

-red chin, upper throat, and breast fades  into conspicuously streaked sides;

-brown wings and back, sometimes lightly washed with red, fades into red rump; brown tail

-deep raspberry color on most of head (including nape, face, and throat) is underlain by darker ear coverts, nape, and malar stripe, making the head appear contrasted at a distance; light stripe over eye; may have peaked crown;

-raspberry carries onto hindneck (unlike Cassin's and House Finch);

-reddish color of throat and breast diffuses into a variably but usually faintly streaked lower breast and belly;

-extensive red color on back in eastern birds, less red in Pacific birds

-bright red crown varies in intensity but always contrasts sharply with pinkish reds found elsewhere on face and chin; also contrasts with brown on hindneck; overall, lacks strong face pattern of Purple Finch; may have peaked crown; whitish eye ring;

-rosy-pink throat, sides of the neck, and upper breast quickly fade into finely streaked sides;

-dark brown wings, scapulars, and back fade into pinkish rump; brown tail

-lacks the strong facial pattern of Purple Finch;

-dull white underparts have longer, less sharply defined streaks;

-undertail coverts have broad dark streaks

 

-strong face pattern: dark auricular patch separates a bold white "eyebrow' and a white moustache;

-underparts show heavy broad streaks;

-back and scapulars are brown and streaked;

-undertail coverts usually white with no streaks (usually diagnostic from Cassin's)

 

-face shows a faint white "eyebrow"  and moustache stripes; pale but complete eyering sometimes noticeable.

-bright white underparts contrast with narrower, sharply defined streaks

-undertail coverts show well defined dark streaks against a white background

More information on the Carpodacus finches
(Note: clicking on the links below will open a second browser window.)

BirdScope article: Separating Finches

This Spring 1997 article discusses the geographic distribution, habitat, and migratory and feeding habits of these three species.  BirdScope is the quarterly newsletter received by Project FeederWatchers and members of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Bird of the Week: House Finch, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird of the Week series contains detailed species accounts as well as photographs and paintings from a variety of sources. Each also contains identification tips that compare and contrast similar-looking species. 

Online Bird Guide: House Finch, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch. ID tips, cool facts, natural history information, sound, photos, range maps, and more.

Acknowledgements:

Resources used to compile this species comparision: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Bird of the Week series, Kenn Kaufman's Advanced Birding (a Peterson field guide); the National Audubon Society's The Sibley Guide to Birds; the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America; Spring 1997 Birdscope article: Separating Finches by Diane Tessaglia-Hymes and Ken Rosenberg.

Illustrations by Larry McQueen, a world-renowned bird artist whose work is highly regarded for its ability to capture the true essence and beauty of birds.