In Oklahoma, bird watchers and biologists have documented at least 12 species in the finch family, including two brightly colored finches that may visit winter bird feeders. A wild double take of the purple and house finches can reveal subtle differences in the amount of reddish coloration observed on the males, patterning of females, and the degree of notching of the tail. 

Find tips for identifying Oklahoma’s look-alike species in our video series on YouTube.

Similarities: Purple and house finches are relatively small songbirds, about 5-6 inches in length. Adult males have reddish- or raspberry-colored feathers on the head and body and females are brown with streaking on the breast and flanks. Both species resemble a third finch, the Cassin’s finch, which has a more limited range in the state.

These finches have stout bills and feed primarily on vegetation, with seeds comprising the bulk of both species’ diets. Both will readily visit bird feeders, and both are susceptible to a bacterial disease called mycoplasmosis. The disease may spread quickly at feeding stations and affect a bird’s eyes, so much so that they may swell shut. Cleaning feeders and the debris and droppings that gather below feeders can help manage the spread of the disease.

Differences: Perhaps the most noticeable difference between these finches is the degree of reddish wash observed on the males. Adult male purple finches have more extensive raspberry-colored feathers on the head and body, with less defined brown streaking on the flanks. Adult male house finches tend to have more brightly colored, reddish-orange feathers that are concentrated on the forehead, throat, breast, and rump. This coloration doesn’t extend to the house finch’s flanks, which are more clearly streaked. Though females of both species lack much of the reddish coloration found in their male counterparts, they too can be distinguished by their pattern. Adult female and juvenile purple finches have a white eyebrow stripe and solid ear patch while the female and juvenile house finches have plain heads. 

Purple finches also tend to be stockier and have a deeper notch in the tail, while house finches appear smaller, slimmer, and longer tailed. The house finch tends to have a more strongly curved ridge of the upper bill. While both purple and house finches may be found in Oklahoma in winter months, only the house finch nests in the state. The purple finch spends its breeding season in more northern coniferous forests. 

If you see finches while exploring Outdoor Oklahoma, consider sharing the sighting on free nature platforms like eBird and iNaturalist. Adding a photo to your observation can allow others to help confirm the identification.