Commonly Confused Birds

Some birds are so distinctive that they're a breeze to identify. Others aren't so easy. Be sure to review these commonly confused birds found in Massachusetts so your sightings stay accurate. 

Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker

Hairy woodpeckers (9¼”) are much bigger than downy woodpeckers (6¾”), and their beaks are considerably longer in relation to their head. Also, downy woodpeckers typically show small, dark bars or spots on their white, outer tail feathers.

Purple Finch vs House Finch

At most feeders, a house finch is likely to be more common than purple finch. House finches also tend to be noisier than purple finches, often chirping loudly when visiting feeders.

Chipping Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, & House Sparrow

Sparrows are notoriously difficult to identify, but with a close look are actually quite distinctive. The chipping sparrow is actually quite unusual in Massachusetts in winter, so any sparrow with a rusty cap at a feeder is most likely an American tree sparrow. Abundantly common in urban areas, city sidewalks, and parks, house sparrow females are often seen with the distinctive, black-throated male.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk & Cooper's Hawk

These two hawks regularly hunt birds visiting feeders in winter. In many areas, the larger Cooper’s hawk tends to be the more frequently observed species. Aside from its smaller size, the sharp-shinned hawk also lacks white tips on the ends of its tail feathers. In both species, the females are larger than the males.

Learn More About Birds

Practice makes perfect! To sharpen your identification skills, learn more about the common birds found in Massachusetts. 

Learn More