CLOSED: Purple or House Finch's again

Ok I put some seed out and about 40 Finch's showed up most Ive ever seen, wondering if these are the Purple's.

Burd

Burd,

I think they are all House Finches for a few reasons: The males in the photo have distinctive streaks on the flanks (whereas male PUFI should have diffused steaks at best). A male PUFI should also have a cheek patch bounded by a light purple border on three sides, while HOFI's check patch is only bounded on top and bottom. I would say something about color, but that is in the eye of the birder. The female HOFI's also lack the cheek (auricular) patch that you would find in the female PUFI.

One other thing of note after having banded lots of both species: Second year males and after second year females have a yellowish green cast to their feathers. The males at that age have not attained any purple (for the most part) on the head or breast/belly. I would expect in a flock of 10-12 birds to have at least one or two of these greenies.

Thanks!
Greg

Hi Greg,

After getting the time to look through my field guide, yes House Finch's, they looked different than my normal 6 HF regulars, so I was hoping. My search for the elusive PF still goes on. lol

Thanks!
Burd

Found this in my field guide, lots of variation's.

Opps, should have made that a bit more clear on the yellowish tinge, that refers to Purple Finches. You are absolutely right that on the west coast (primarily desert locations) House Finch males can have that yellowish cast.

Thanks for pointing out the discrepancy.

G

I found this thread and thought I would add my female purple finch to this conversation. I do this with the hope that someone can help me determine if the next picture is a purple or a house male.

Purple or house? No editing done on the picture. Thanks for your help, and for letting me tag on to this thread.

Male House Finch per the bill shape, breast and flank streaking and the auricular (ear patch).

Greg