House or Purple Finch female? (1 Viewer)

[TGNWest]

I'm starting out birdwatching, only a few weeks in, and I'm confused about how to determine, by sight, these species.

North America
United States
Northern Idaho
Bonner County

The females of these two species look a lot alike

 

[Micah_G]

Hehe, lol I should know this but I know it is ether a female Cassins' Finch or a Pine Siskin

Here are some key features
:Female House Finch: Overall brown with some slightly darker streaks on underside, thick bill.
:Female Cassins' Finch: More of a white/offwhite background with clean dark brown streaks on undersides. Uppers sides are more heavily streaked.
:Male and Female Pine Siskin: Smaller and thinner than HOFI and CAFI, sharp pointed bill, wings and tail slightly yellow.

Also if you don't have a field guide you should get Sibley Guide to Birds (Or Sibley Birds West)

 

[TGNWest]

Thanks Micah 😊, I was debating weather to have a paper guide or not, but it might be helpful in situations like this.

 

[rkj]

Pine Siskin - any of the others would have a thicker bill, and there is some yellow in the wings.

 

[KC Foggin]

Pine Siskin for me

 

[TGNWest]

Some of these species are easy to mark, some not so easy! I have other shots that may be the same, female, male, mature and immature can throw a wrench in as well.