The House Finch, or Carpodacus mexicanus, is found in all parts of the US, and even in lower Canada and upper Mexico. It is a small, brown bird, with the males having red on its head and front of the chest.
House finches have a warbly song. They can be told apart from the Purple Finch by the back feathers - purple finches are solid red through the back of the head and body. The House Finch is brown-striped in those areas.
More Photos of the House Finch
Purple Finch, for comparison
Birding Encyclopedia
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All photos by Lisa Shea