Though the maps show me as being in the winter range of the Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) I seldom see any. But yesterday was my lucky day. There were two males and a female at one of my feeders. Black oil sunflowers seeds are on the top of the list for what they like at the feeder and that’s something that is always out there for anyone that might be hungry. Here they are, enjoying the feast, left to right, female Purple Finch, male Purple Finch, in the blur in front, a White-throated Sparrow, and on the right another male Purple Finch.
And here, a male in front and a female in back. Females and immature Purple Finches are brown and white. Mature males are what I would call raspberry red but certainly not purple.
2 responses to “Another Purple Finch Visit”
I have often struggled to differentiate if I am seeing house finches or purple finches at my feeders, but now i know for sure. They are both here, the more orange and the deep raspberry. Thank you, Brenda
Hi Julie, I’m happy to hear that I’ve helped you identify what birds are arriving at your feeders. There are many times when I depend on my photographs to help figure out what I’m actually seeing. One mystery that I’m dealing with right now – what am I seeing? A Song Sparrow or a White-throated Sparrow. They’re both at my feeders and I sure find them challenging! As for House Finches and Purple Finches, it is only the Purple Finch that shows up here and not very often. Good for you, that you’ve got both!
Thanks so much for reading my posts!
Bren