Birdfeeders

These two similar species are found in all regions of the United States in urban areas, parks, mixed woods and on low mountain slopes. They absolutely love small nyjer seeds so will be frequent visitors at thistle feeders which is the common name used for nyjer feeders. They are also frequent visitors to tube feeders that contain sunflower seeds. Because they are quite social birds, they are usually seen in groups or flocks of as many as 20 to 30 birds, often including siskins and gold finches. They also eat other seeds, fruits and berries. Drawing these finches to your yard can be the most entertaining if you also have an elevated bird bath filled with clean fresh water. They love drinking from bird baths, often many at a time. Splashing around in the water is also a common practice. While chattering away, they will spend lots of time going back and forth between bird baths and thistle feeders, pushing each other out of the way sometimes and then happily sharing at other times. They look very much alike and are often confused. The male house finch has a red head and upper breast with brownish back and sides. The female has uniform fine brownish streaks on the head and larger brown streaks on the belly and breast. The male purple finch has a red head, back and breast. The female has brown streaks and no red coloring.