Saturday, December 29, 2012

Our Native Purple Finch

Purple Finch (c) 2011 High Virginia Images
We have two finch species in our region; they are often confused with each other. The Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) is our native species. It is not as common as the widespread introduced House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) which is native to the western US. The House Finch was introduced in New York in the 1950's and expanded its range throughout the eastern US and southern Canada. The Purple Finch has a heavy, triangular shaped bill. the House Finch has a short, stubby bill. Purple Finches are a much more pleasing bird to look at. The female always reminds me of a miniature female Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Purple Finch (c) 2011 High Virginia Images

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