Pine Grosbeak or Purple Finch?
Here's how to tell the difference
Pine Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Pine Grosbeak
Pinicola enucleator
General appearance
The pine grosbeak is a large finch, about the size of a robin, measuring between 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). The bird has several distinctive features including a long tail, a stubby black bill, two wing-bars, and various colors. The wing shape is pointed and the tail shape varies from notched, rounded to a square tip.
Male vs female
Adult males and females display different colorations. While the adult male pine grosbeak is mostly pink and gray, the female is predominantly gray, with yellow or orange on her head. This differentiation helps in spotting and identifying the species in the wild.
Juvenile
Similar to adult females, juveniles are gray in color. However, they are distinguishable by the yellow or orange coloration on their heads. There may be a seasonal variation in appearance as these birds often change their plumage.
Size
7.9 - 10.0 in/1.8 - 2.8 oz
There's more to learn about Pine Grosbeak
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 Pine Grosbeak from the Purple Finch
Visual differences
The Pine Grosbeak is notably larger, measuring 8-10 inches, with a stout bill and long tail. Males are pink and gray, females gray with yellow/orange heads. The Purple Finch, smaller at 5-6 inches, has a chunky build and shorter tail. Males are uniformly dull red, lacking stripes, while females and juveniles have a prominent dark whisker and whitish eyebrow. Pine Grosbeaks have a stubby bill, while Purple Finches have a conical bill. Grosbeaks sport two wing-bars, whereas Purple Finches have pointed wings with a notched tail.
Key differences and behavior
Pine Grosbeaks and Purple Finches exhibit distinct behavioral and ecological differences. Pine Grosbeaks, larger at 8-10 inches, are laid-back birds often called “mopes.” They form winter flocks around fruit-laden trees, remaining until depleted. In contrast, Purple Finches, 4.7-6.3 inches long, compete for territory and use elaborate hopping displays in courtship. Both species breed in coniferous areas, but Pine Grosbeaks prefer open forests, while Purple Finches also inhabit mixed woodlands and suburbs. Pine Grosbeaks focus heavily on pine and fruit, with the male feeding the female during courtship. Both sexes of Purple Finches feed the young, focusing on seeds and insects. They both frequent bird feeders, liking seeds, yet Purple Finches consume a wider variety, including thistle seeds.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
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Purple Finch vs Cassin’s Finch
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