A sparrow-sized bird, Purple Finch occurs concurrently with the similar House Finch in all Pacific Coast states and New England year-'round, so it is important for birders (particularly those in these areas) to learn the points of field identification. Purple Finch males can be told from House Finch males by the blurry streaks on the breast and flanks. These are more well-defined on House Finch. The females of the two species are harder to differentiate. The female Purple Finch shows a stronger pattern of light and dark on the face and has a stubbier bill. Either species may be confused with Cassin's Finch in areas where two or more species occur. Cassin's males have a clear breast and the females show very crisp, sparse dark streaks on both the breast and the back.
365Caws is now in its 14th year of publication, and was originally intended to end after 365 days. It has sometimes been difficult for me to find new material, particularly during the winter months, but now as I enter my own twilight years, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide daily posts. It is my hope that along the way I may have inspired someone to a greater curiosity about the natural world. If so, I can rest, content in the knowledge that my work here has been done.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Purple Finch Male
A sparrow-sized bird, Purple Finch occurs concurrently with the similar House Finch in all Pacific Coast states and New England year-'round, so it is important for birders (particularly those in these areas) to learn the points of field identification. Purple Finch males can be told from House Finch males by the blurry streaks on the breast and flanks. These are more well-defined on House Finch. The females of the two species are harder to differentiate. The female Purple Finch shows a stronger pattern of light and dark on the face and has a stubbier bill. Either species may be confused with Cassin's Finch in areas where two or more species occur. Cassin's males have a clear breast and the females show very crisp, sparse dark streaks on both the breast and the back.
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