Purple Finch




Purple Finch


Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)

Order:  Passeriformes
Family:  Fringillidae




Male Purple Finch
By Simon Barrette [CC SA 3.0]

Purple Finch Information

Length:  5.5 - 6.25"

Habitat:  Coniferous or mixed woodlands, forest edges, residential areas with trees and shrubs. Prefers habitat with coniferous trees. In winter, habitat expands to include shrubby fields and other semi-open areas.

Diet:  Weed seeds and grass seeds; buds, blossoms, and seeds of trees; insects; wild fruits and berries.

  Songs and calls of the Purple Finch

   Another photo of Purple Finch

Additional Information

Purple Finch
Habitat, diet, feeding behavior, nesting, migration, and conservation status of this bird. Includes range map, photos, and songs and calls. (From Audubon Field Guide)


Female Purple Finch

Female Purple Finch

© Don DesJardin


Purple Finch
Identification Tips

  • Short, forked tail
  • Distinctive call note often given in flight
Male
  • Purplish-red head, breast, back and rump
  • Streaked back
  • White undertail coverts
  • Brown wings and tail
  • Immature male resembles female
Female
  • Brown crown and cheek patch contrasting with pale supercilium and malar streak
  • Heavily streaked underparts
  • Brown upperparts

(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)


Purple Finch
Breeding Bird Survey Map,
2011-2015


Purple Finch Breeding Map

(Image credit: USGS)


New England Range

The Purple Finch is a year-round resident in New England.


Purple Finch
Range Maps from Cornell

Purple Finch breeding, migration, nonbreeding and year-round range

Includes separate map of sightings.


Purple Finch
Christmas Bird Count Map

Historical CBC Map from USGS