Common Confusion in the Back Yard

There are some very common species of birds that every year seem to confuse casual observers, and we have two of these birds as regulars in this part of the country. One is our ever-humble House Finch (shown). And the confusion is with the Purple Finch (not shown) which only infrequently occurs here in cold winters and that I have never seen at this property. But homeowners around here will excitedly report that they see Purple Finches in their back yards. The Purple Finch is admittedly similar, but a careful inspection will reveal the male to be a much redder bird overall. Here's a great side by side comparison. With all bird ID my rule of thumb is to assume the more prosaic possibility and then try to prove the exception. Hence I rarely spot exotics, irregulars, and invasives, many of which sightings I suspect are B.S. So if you are tempted to see that "Purple Finch" (substitute your easily confused wannabe) it never hurts to double-check. Observe as carefully as possible and check field guides if available.