Purple Finch

The Purple Finch, Haemorhous purpureus, is a small bird with a robust build, measuring 12–16 cm in length and weighing 18–32 g. Males are adorned with a vibrant raspberry red hue on their head, breast, back, and rump, with a streaked back, while females exhibit light brown upperparts and white underparts with dark brown streaks, and a distinctive white line above the eye.

Identification Tips

To identify the Purple Finch, look for the male's striking red plumage and the female's streaked appearance with a white eye line. The subspecies H. p. californicus can be distinguished by its longer tail, shorter wings, and more greenish tinge in females.

Habitat

The Purple Finch can be found in coniferous and mixed forests across Canada and the northeastern United States, as well as in various wooded areas along the Pacific coast of the U.S.

Distribution

This species breeds in the northern United States, southern Canada, and the west coast of North America. Birds from the northernmost parts of their range tend to migrate southward for the winter.

Behaviour

The Purple Finch is known to be displaced by the House Finch and House Sparrow in some areas. They exhibit a preference for foraging in trees and bushes, and sometimes on the ground.

Song & Calls

Unfortunately, the source provided does not include information on the song and calls of the Purple Finch.

Breeding

Females typically build open cup-shaped nests on horizontal branches of coniferous trees, using rootlets, twigs, and weeds, and lining them with grass, hair, and moss.

Similar Species

The House Finch is a similar species that often outcompetes the Purple Finch in their shared habitats.

Diet and Feeding

Purple Finches primarily consume seeds, berries, and insects, showing a particular fondness for sunflower seeds, millet, and thistle.

Conservation status

The Purple Finch is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although there has been a noted decline in the eastern population due to competition with the House Finch.