Habitat loss, pesticides, window collisions, house cats and climate change are taking a toll on songbird populations. But for our backyard nesters, a crow was the biggest threat.

Although martins are bigger than sparrows, the house sparrow, as a finch, has a more sizeable beak. The martin, whose diet is insects, has no need for a beak that can crack seeds and shells.

Although martins are bigger than sparrows, the house sparrow, as a finch, has a more sizeable beak. The martin, whose diet is insects, has no need for a beak that can crack seeds and shells.

Although martins are bigger than sparrows, the house sparrow, as a finch, has a more sizeable beak. The martin, whose diet is insects, has no need for a beak that can crack seeds and shells.

"The house finch came in with a flock of about 20 to 25 purple finches, and along with that came in about 50 Savannah sparrows and a bunch of others," Joyce told CBC News.

A rare house finch was spotted in the Codroy Valley by Kellie Joyce. (Submitted by Kellie Joyce)A rare sighting among a flock of birds may have been a first for Newfoundland and Labrador.Kellie Joyce ...

House finches rarely use birdhouses; they are more likely to seek out ledges, eaves, and even hanging baskets for raising young. Goldfinches build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, sometimes as ...

House Finch Purple Finch A few more notes: Color is helpful, but it varies among individuals, so use caution. Females and young males of both species are simply brown and white, and can be especially ...

In Oklahoma, bird watchers and biologists have documented at least 12 species in the finch family, including two brightly colored finches that may visit winter bird feeders. A wild double take of the ...

House finches and purple finches are both small birds which are native to North America. Both species have stunning red and brown plumage which means that they are easily confused for each other.