There are many different types of finches in the US. In fact, there are fifteen different species.
Each type of finch has its own unique characteristics and habits. Some people might think that all these different types of birds would be difficult to tell apart, but they can actually be quite easy to identify if you know what to look for.
So, if you’re curious about the different types of finches out there, read on for a brief overview of 15 of them.
How to identify finches?
Finches are small to medium-sized birds with stout bodies and short, notched tails.
They have large heads with thick bills, and their wings are usually fairly long. Finches typically have drab plumage, but some species (like the American goldfinch) can be quite colorful.
Male finches
They are usually more brightly colored than females, and they often have some type of markings on their heads (such as a black cap).
The best way to tell apart different types of finches is by their calls, which can be quite distinctive.
Female finches
Females are typically less brightly colored than males and often lack head markings. However, there can be some variation in plumage between individual females of the same species.
15 Finch Species In The US
1.American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small finch with a yellow body and black wings. The male has a black cap, while the female usually has a brownish-streaked head. These birds are found in open woodlands and fields across the United States.
2.House Finch
The house finch is a small bird with brownish-streaked plumage. The male has a red head and breast, while the female usually has drabber colors. These birds are found in open habitats across the United States.
3.Cassia Crossbill
The Cassia crossbill is a small finch with red plumage. The male has grayish-brown bodies that are dashed with fiery red and orangish hues.
While the females usually are grayish-green overall with a tad of yellow on the belly. These birds are found in open woodlands and forests in the western United States. These finches feed on seeds, insects, and sometimes berries.
4.Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
The brown-capped rosy-finch is a small bird with grayish-brown plumage. The male has a pinkish breast and belly, while the female usually has a drabber brown body. These birds are found in open habitats in the western United States.
5. Lawrence’s Goldfinch
The Lawrence’s goldfinch is a small finch with yellow plumage. The male has black wings with white bars, while the female usually has drabber colors. These birds are found in open habitats in the western United States.
6.Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a small finch with yellow plumage. The male has black wings with white and yellow bars, while the female usually has drabber colors. These birds are found in open habitats across the United States.
7.Hoary Redpoll
The hoary redpoll is a small finch with grayish-brown plumage.
The male has a pinkish breast and belly, while the female usually has a drabber brown body. These birds are found in open habitats in the northern United States. They feed on seeds, insects, and sometimes berries.
8.Pine Grosbeak
The pine grosbeak is a medium-sized finch with grayish-brown plumage. The male has a pinkish breast and belly, while the female usually has a drabber brown body. These birds are found in open habitats in the northern United States.
9.White-winged Crossbill
The white-winged crossbill is a small finch with red plumage. The male has grayish-brown bodies that are dashed with fiery red and orangish hues.
While the female usually are grayish-green overall with a tad of yellow on the belly. These birds are found in open woodlands and forests in the northern United States. They feed on seeds, insects, and sometimes berries.
10.Cassin’s Finch
The Cassin’s finch is a small finch with brownish-streaked plumage.
The male has a red head and breast, while the female usually has drabber colors. These birds are found in open habitats in the western United States.
11.Common Redpoll
The common redpoll is a small finch with grayish-brown plumage. The male has a pinkish breast and belly, while the female usually has a drabber brown body.
These birds are found in open habitats across the northern United States. They consume seeds, insects, and occasionally fruit.
12.Black-headed Grosbeak
The black-headed grosbeak is a medium-sized finch with black and gray plumage.
The male has a black head, while the female usually has a drabber brown body. These birds are found in open habitats across the United States.
13.Evening Grosbeak
The evening grosbeak is a medium-sized finch with yellow and black plumage. The male has a yellow head, while the female usually has a drabber brown body.
Evening Grosbeak are common throughout the northern United States, including open areas.
14.Blue Grosbeak
The blue grosbeak is a medium-sized finch with blue plumage. The male has black wings, while the female usually has drabber colors.
These birds are found in open habitats across the United States.
15.Rose-breasted Grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak is a medium-sized finch with black, white, and gray plumage.
The male has a rose-colored breast, while the female usually has drabber colors. These birds are found in open habitats across the United States. They typically eat insects but will also consume fruits and seeds.
Final Words
So there you have it, 15 types of finches in the US.
Do you know any of these birds? Have you seen them in your backyard or at a local park?
If so, take some time to learn more about their unique features and how they can be distinguished from other similar-looking species. As always, feel free to leave us a comment below if you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with American finches.
Saw a common red Pole male and some females this morning at my feeders
Is a purple finch a reality or is it the same as a common house finch which has a more reddish head and shoulders?