The Purple Finch, or Carpodacus purpureus, is very similar to the House Finch. Both are small with stripes, with the sharp finch beak and similar song.
However, where the male house finch is only red on its breast, the male purple finch is red pretty much all over. It may have very light striping along its sides, but it will be mostly red in that area.
The house finch is VERY common, while the purple finch is relatively uncommon. If you think you have a purple finch, be sure to check the two birds' pictures carefully to see the difference.
Both the house finch and purple finch females are only brown and white.
Purple finches love thistle seed, although they'll eat normal seed if there's no other choice.
House Finch, for comparison
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Birding Encyclopedia
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