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 16th year of publication. If I am unable to post daily, I hope readers who love the natural world and fiberarts will seize those days to read the older material. Remember that this has been my journey as well, so you may find errors in my identifications of plants. I have tried to correct them as I discover them. Likewise, I have refined fiberarts techniques and have adjusted recipes, so search by tags to find the most current information. And thank you for following me!
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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