Photo Friday - November 12, 2010 - House & Purple Finches

I have not taken any photos this week. Yes, it's been that kind of a week. However, I have thousands and thousands of photos taken prior to this week so we'll delve into those. I used to spend hours taking bird photos and have always been a bird watcher. I was lucky enough to have Purple Finches visit my feeders. Purple Finches are lovely birds. Sadly they are being pushed out of habitats by the House Finch, which has somewhat similar coloring and is often confused for the lovely Purple Finch. I don't dislike House Finches, I just prefer Purple Finches.

First we'll look at some photos of the House Finch male (don't confuse the House Finch with the English House Sparrow - similar name, different bird).

2 males at the feeder

Here's an English House Sparrow male - nothing like a House Finch

Now for the Purple Finch is all his cranberry colored glory (they are not really purple):

Juvenile Male coming into his colors. He looks purple!

Here are a House Finch pair and a Purple Finch pair. I was asked by my local Audubon chapter if they could use these 2 photos to help folks learn bird identification. I said "yes."

Now if you spot a Purple Finch or a House Finch male you should be able to tell the difference!