Redpoll vs House Finch: ID Challenge

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Which Finch Are You Seeing?

common redpoll sitting on branch in snowy weather — It can be tricky for birders to identify a redpoll vs a house finch.

Both members of the finch family, the redpoll and the house finch are seed eaters that you may be lucky enough to attract to your feeder. Besides sharing those behaviors, they also share some physical similarities that could make identification a challenge. Taking a closer look (and listen!) can help differentiate the redpoll vs the house finch.

Don’t miss these super pretty pictures of finches.

Redpoll ID Tips

Common redpoll perched on a branch in winter in ottawa — Birders are more likely to spot a redpoll in winter.

Redpolls have a petite body with a distinctive little red spot on their forehead, brown-and-white streaked sides with white wingbars and a pink chest. They have a small, pointed yellow bill surrounded by black feathers.

Their song is a mixture of their sharp, zapping call notes that lasts about 30 seconds.

Unlike the house finch, redpolls have a more northerly based range and are migratory. They nest in the Arctic, migrating south irregularly in winter to southern Canada and the northern U.S. This hardy bird thrives in cold weather, so watch your feeders in winter to catch a glimpse of one.

Discover more types of finches to look for in winter.

House Finch ID Tips

house finch sitting on branch — House finches have a wider range in the U.S. throughout the year.

These finches have a much more extensive range and are found year-round across much of the United States and Mexico, plus parts of southern Canada. If you see a red finch in the southern U.S., it is more likely a house finch.

House finches have a long, flat head with large red patches around the face; brown-streaked back, belly and tail; and a scarlet breast. Their thick, grayish conical bill is perfect for eating seeds, plant buds and berries.

Listen for their lengthy series of short warbling notes ending with a zeee.

Learn how to identify a Cassin’s finch.

Female Traits

276245865 1 Titi Mcneill Bnb Bypc 2021 — Male and female house finch pair

Female house finches are brown and streaked, but with no red coloring. In contrast, female redpolls have a tiny red crown, similar to that of the males. When comparing females of the two species, house finches have heavier streaking.

Next, learn how to tell the difference between a house finch vs a purple finch.

Sources

Author

Megan White

Megan is the senior editor of Birds & Blooms and has over 10 years of publishing experience. She is a member of the Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter and enjoys volunteering in various birding and wildlife initiatives.

Reviewer

Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman

As a teenager in the 1970s, Kenn Kaufman hitch-hiked all over North America in pursuit of birds, an adventure later chronicled in his cult-classic book Kingbird Highway. After several years as a professional nature tour leader, taking groups to all seven continents, he transitioned to a career as a writer, editor, and illustrator. His 14 books incl...

Fact Checker

Kirsten Schrader

Now Birds & Blooms' content director, Kirsten has been writing about birding and gardening for 17 years. Her writing and editing roles have spanned the print and digital landscape. Although she has traveled to see amazing birds throughout the U.S., Kirsten has one dream bucket list bird—the male painted bunting.