Sparrow or Finch

[Andygod]

I saw this little guy in Whitney, just outside Algonquin Park last weekend.  At first I thought it was a sparrow, but now I am thinking it might be a female purple Finch, any guesses.

[Rotarran]

female purple Finch

[Andygod]

Thanks, there are so many of those little birds that look similar.

[Rotarran]

The distinctive white eyebrow and large conical bill are big giveaways.  I would say that the bird that is most similar to a female Purple Finch is the female Rose Breasted Grosbeak but that bird is quite a bit bigger and of course they haven't arrived yet.  They're probably due in May.

Also Purple Finches are somewhat more common in and around Algonquin, especially this winter.  And keep in mind that many Sparrows haven't arrived yet, especially as far as Algonquin.  Also most sparrows have bills that are somewhat daintier and pointier than that of a Purple Finch.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should try to use geographical and seasonal profiles as well as field marks to help you ID birds.

[Pat Hodgson]

super photos too

[Paul O'Toole]

Here is a female rose-breasted grosbeak, just to compare. No issues with the ID, just wanted to let you see one.