Nature Walks – Are They House Finches Or Cassin’s Finches?

House finches and Cassin’s Finches look very similar, and sometimes I really have to look hard to be able to tell the difference between them. My best understanding of the differences between these two birds is that House Finches (males) have more bright colorings all over their bodies than Cassin’s Finches. Cassin’s Finch: Bright red peaked crown, less streaking on the underparts. House Finch: Red (or orangish-red) on the head, breast, and rump, with more streaking on the underparts. The females too are differently colored, with less striking features and more subdued colorings. House Finches are also a little smaller than their cousins, the Cassin’s Finch, and they have slightly different beak shapes too. Cassin’s Finches are more likely to be found in coniferous forests, while House Finches are more adaptable and found in a wider range of habitats, including urban areas. But since we have a lot of trees around, we have both varieties of finches. While both species share similar overall body shapes and size, the color patterns, especially on the head and underparts, are the most reliable way to distinguish between male and female Cassin’s and House Finches.

House Finches and Cassin’s Finches both seem to love our trees (albeit dead trees) in our back yard. Maybe we are reluctant to cut them down because we get so many birds and, House Finches and Cassin’s Finches in particular, that like to hang out in our trees. We love watching them as we sit out on the the deck. And who knows, I probably get them mixed up half the time too. 🙂 All I really know for sure is that they are beautiful little song birds that I love to see.

OOOOOH! She is definitely giving him an earful! I’m guessing he will be out of tree house for awhile.

A little distance to help cool things down a bit.

He needs some time alone to think. Why is she so mad at me?

Maybe she won’t see me here?

Let’s kiss and make up. Please?!

We all have our little spats at times, even in the bird world. But in the end, we try our best to always kiss and make up too.