How to Identify North American Finches

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Binoculars
Birding Field Guide

Step 1:
Notice the bird's color. Male Goldfinches are bright yellow, but the females are much duller. Winter Finches can be brown or brick red. The female House Finch has a pale brown face with paler underparts, and the male has a red eyebrow and forehead.
Step 2:
Notice birds that come to bird feeders in the cities. The House Finch, the Purple Finch, the Pine Siskin and the Redpoll are frequent visitors.
Step 3:
Observe where the birds live. Winter Finches live in the north, usually around forest edges. House Finches inhabit backyards in cities and open woods. Goldfinches live in woodlands and suburbs.
Step 4:
Look out for the Pine Grosbeak, which is larger than most finches and usually inhabits conifer forests.
Step 5:
Listen for the song. House Finches have a warbling call. The song of the Goldfinch is usually clear and thin.
Step 6:
Note that some birds may have escaped from cages. Prized as a pet, the European Finch has a red face that is bordered with white and black wings with yellow bands.

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