Purple Finch

15 cm (6") Fairly common. Coniferous forests, mixed open woods, suburban areas, feeders in winter.

Male: brilliant red over most of body. Striped back. White belly.

Female: very sparrow-like; dull brown and heavily streaked above and below. Similar to female House Finch and female Cassin's Finch. Told from House Finch by its distinctive ear patch and eyebrow stripe.

Song: long, loud, fast, excited, burbling warble; distinctive sharp musical "chip" given in flight.

Videos

Images

Credit: Darrell

Credit: David A. Hofmann

Credit: Kelly Colgan Azar

Credit: Henry T. McLin

Distribution Maps

Purple Finch distribution map