House Finches can be identified by their distinct, rounded head shape, heavy and rounded beak, and the presence of a female with brown plumage. Male House Finches, on the other hand, are bright red and have a more subtle call than their Purple Finch counterparts.

House Finches are small-sized birds with large beaks, long flat heads, long tails, and short wings. Compared to most finches, House Finches have a shallow notch in their tails. It’s also observed that their necks are thicker in proportion to their body shape and size.

Female and young have rather plain brown face, blurry stripes all over pale underparts (sharper stripes on juveniles). House Sparrows lack stripes; native sparrows all have different patterns, and most are more secretive. Male House Finch has red eyebrow and forehead contrasting with brown cap.