Cassin's Finch

16 cm (6") Fairly common. Southwestern Canada, western United States. Upper mountain coniferous forests. In winter; lower levels.

Male: resembles male Purple Finch in being mostly red but it has a contrasting crown; brown hindneck contrasts abruptly with red on cap. Undertail coverts streaked.

Female: sparrow-like. Resembles female Purple Finch but it has whiter underparts with sharper streaking and streaked undertail coverts. Told from female House Finch by distinctive ear patch and eyebrow stripe.

Song: lively warbling is longer and more varied than Purple Finch; musical "chidiup" in flight.

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