I’m not great at telling purple finches (Haemorhous purpureus) and house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) apart, but given that purple finches tend to leave southern Wisconsin in the spring to nest up north, I’m voting that the one outside my office window (pictured above) is a house finch. This guy is guarding a nearby nest, and his bright red color, mottles of brown on the cheeks, and slightly curved upper beak also point to house finch.
Want to learn how to tell them apart yourself. Here’s a guide from the Audubon Society.
