Guess that bird...

These beauties visit us off and on all year. They have a beautiful song.   This is a male; the females are striped and brown. 

photo: birdfreak.com

 Hint: These are quite "homely" birds.  Extra points if you can tell me the name of the bird it's often confused with.


Answer below the fold...
Answer: House Finch  carpodacus mexicanus.   

Often confused with Purple Finch carpodacus purpureus