Common Redpoll or Purple Finch?
Here's how to tell the difference
Common Redpoll
Purple Finch
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammea
Also known as: Mealy Redpoll
General appearance
The common redpoll is of small size, similar to a sparrow, with a length of 5-5 1/2 inches (13-14 cm). It features a red forehead, a black chin, and maintains a darker overall appearance during the summer seasons. Its wings are pointed, and their tail shape is either notched or square-tipped.
Male vs female
Sexual dimorphism exists in common redpolls. The male redpoll is distinguished by a variable pink wash over its chest. The female, on the other hand, doesn't exhibit this coloring. Both sexes, however, exhibit the signature black chin and red forehead.
Juvenile
The juvenile common redpoll has similar features to the adults but may not have developed the identifiable red forehead or the male’s characteristic pink wash on the chest. The plumage patterns and color intensity may also differ, becoming more pronounced as they inch towards adulthood.
Size
4.7 - 5.5 in/0.4 - 0.7 oz
There's more to learn about Common Redpoll
View full detailsPurple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
General appearance
The purple finch is about the size of a Robin and has similar resemblance with the House Finch. However, it has a chunkier body and a shorter tail. Its most distinctive feature is its coloring which can be red, brown, tan or white. The finch also exhibits pointed wings and a notched tail shape.
Male vs female
Adult males are washed uniformly with dull red on their head and foreparts with an absence of visible dark stripes on their sides. The females, on the other hand, exhibit much stronger face patterns. This includes a dark whisker and a more distinguished whitish eyebrow. Both genders display the species’ characteristic chunky build.
Juvenile
Young purple finches similarly exhibit more prominent face patterns compared to their adult counterparts, which includes a dark whisker and a whitish eyebrow. However, their coloration might not be as defined as in adults. When identifying in the wild, particularly in the mountain west, you may encounter and need to distinguish from the Cassin's Finch.
Size
4.7 - 6.3 in/0.6 - 1.1 oz
There's more to learn about Purple Finch
View full detailsHow to tell the Common Redpoll from the Purple Finch
Visual differences
The Common Redpoll is smaller (5-5.5 inches) with a red forehead and black chin, featuring males with a pink wash on the chest. Its bill is shorter, yellow with black or brown tips. The Purple Finch is larger (about 6 inches), chunkier, and has a dull red wash on the male's head and body. Females have strong face markings like a dark whisker and a white eyebrow. Both species have notched tails, but the Purple Finch is more uniformly dull red and lacks dark side stripes.
Key differences and behavior
Common Redpolls and Purple Finches display distinct behaviors and habitat preferences. Redpolls, adapted to colder climates, burrow into snow for warmth, nesting in dense shrubs at ground level, and are monogamous, with minimal territorial defense during nesting. They primarily consume seeds, often visiting feeders in winter. In contrast, Purple Finches prefer coniferous and mixed woodlands, performing aerial displays during courtship. They construct nests higher in trees and engage in cooperative breeding roles. Purple Finches have a more varied diet of seeds, berries, and insects, frequenting feeders for mixed seeds. Redpolls thrive in bushy northern habitats, while Purple Finches inhabit forests, adapting to suburban environments during migration.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
Common Redpoll vs House Finch
Purple Finch vs House Finch
Purple Finch vs Cassin’s Finch
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Purple Finch vs [Select a bird]
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