Purple Finch
Carpodacus purpureus
DescriptionPurple Finches feed mostly on seeds, buds, blossoms, and fruit, which is usually taken from the outer branches of trees and occasionally from the ground.
General: 5.5 to 6.5 inches in length.
Male: Purple-red head, breast, back and rump. Off-white underparts. Brown wings and tail. Streaked back. White undertail coverts. Brownish conical bill. Short, forked tail. Immature males resemble females.
Female: Brown overall. Brown crown and cheek patch contrasting with pale stripe behind its eye and a dark malar streak. Heavily brown and white streaked underparts.
Mixed and coniferous woodlands.
Nesting4-5 blue-green eggs with dark brown spots at the larger end. The eggs have a 13 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 14 days. The nest is an open cup made from twigs, grass, and hair. The nest is usually built in a conifer.
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