Purple finches are a type of bird that is commonly found across North America. Despite their name, male purple finches are actually bright red in color, which often leads to confusion about their actual plumage. In this article, we’ll explore why these birds are called “purple” finches when the males are red, examine how to identify them, and learn about their biology and behavior.
Why are male purple finches red if they are called “purple”?
The term “purple finch” is actually quite misleading, as the males are a bright, rosy red color. So why are they called purple finches? There are a few potential reasons:
- Females and young birds are more brownish-purple, which may be where the name originated from.
- In certain lights, the red plumage can take on a purplish sheen.
- The scientific name, Haemorhous purpureus, contains the Latin word “purpureus” meaning purple.
- Early descriptions of the birds referred to their plumage as “purple.” This was later corrected, but the name stuck.
So while male purple finches may appear distinctly red, the hints of purple in females and juveniles seem to have inspired the paradoxical name. It’s an example of how common names of birds don’t always accurately reflect their true colors!
How to identify purple finches
Despite the misleading name, identifying purple finches is usually straightforward once you know what to look for:
- Males have bright red plumage on their heads, breasts, backs, and rumps. Their bellies are whitish, they have brown streaking on the flanks, and black wings with white bars.
- Females are mostly brownish-gray with heavy streaking on the underparts. They lack any red color.
- Immatures resemble females but are even more brown overall with faint streaking below.
- In any plumage, the conical beak is thick and distinctly notched at the tip. This helps distinguish them from house finches.
- They are sparrow-sized birds approximately 5-6 inches in length with a wingspan around 10 inches.
Purple finches produce musical, warbling songs and short call notes. The male’s song is complex and highly variable. Females also sing, but their songs are simpler.
Range and habitat
Purple finches breed across Canada and the northern United States. Some key details about their range and habitat:
- They breed as far north as Alaska and Canada’s coniferous forests.
- During winter they withdraw somewhat southward, with many remaining along the Pacific coast and northeastern states.
- They frequent open deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, and residential areas with trees.
- More abundant in montane areas than lowlands in the western parts of their range.
- Rarely found in treeless or desert regions.
Diet and feeding behavior
Purple finches mainly eat seeds and buds from a variety of trees and plants. Here is more on their diet and how they feed:
- Consume seeds from conifers, elm, birch, willow, and other trees. Important in their winter diet.
- Forage on the ground or in trees and shrubs for fallen seeds.
- Also eat flower buds, nectar, and fruit including cherries and raspberries.
- Occasionally eat insects like aphids and ants.
- Males can be very aggressive at feeders, chasing away other birds.
- Use a grasping motion of their feet to aid climbing and feeding acrobatically.
Breeding and nesting
Purple finches breed between April and August across their range. Here are some key facts about their reproduction and nesting:
- They are monogamous, pairing off as early as February before breeding season.
- Build an open, cup-shaped nest out of grasses, plant fibers, mosses, and twigs.
- Nest located near the top of a deciduous tree or conifer, typically 10-50 feet up.
- Clutch size is 4-5 pale bluish eggs with reddish-brown spots.
- Females incubate the eggs for 12-14 days before they hatch.
- Young fledge the nest in just 14-17 days.
Pairs will often raise two broods per season. The female builds the nest and incubates while the male brings food to his mate.
Conservation status
Purple finches are currently very common and their populations are stable. They face no major conservation threats. Here is more on their population status:
- They are listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
- Partners in Flight estimates a breeding population of 23 million in North America.
- They adapt readily to human activity and urbanization.
- Can utilize bird feeders, especially for sunflower seeds, to supplement natural foods.
While purple finch numbers dropped in the 1960s and 70s, most likely due to disease, their populations rebounded and remain stable. Providing they continue to have access to sufficient food sources and nesting habitat, their future looks secure.
Fun facts about purple finches
- Their scientific name, Haemorhous purpureus, means “purple red-tail.”
- Some experts believe “purple finch” was originally just a color morph of the house finch before diverging into a separate species.
- Purple finches can become afflicted with a disease called mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, causing crusty eyes and vision issues. This may have contributed to past population declines.
- As winter approaches they undergo a complete molt, replacing every feather over just a few weeks’ time.
- They consume more vegetable matter and fewer insects compared to other finch species.
Comparison to similar species
There are a few species that could potentially be confused with purple finches by inexperienced bird watchers. Key identification tips:
- House finch – Males have a red head but lack the extensive pink-red hue over the body. Both sexes have less conspicuous streaking.
- Cassin’s finch – Found in the western US; males have more extensive red on the head but lack reddish color on the back.
- Red crossbill – Distinctly forked tail and crossed mandibles sets them apart from purple finches.
Taking note of subtle plumage differences as well as beak shape, tail shape, vocalizations, and range can help properly differentiate purple finches from look-alike species.
Where to see purple finches
Purple finches can be found across much of northern and central North America during summer. Some top places to spot them include:
- Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks
- Montane forests of the Rockies
- Vancouver, British Columbia
Backyard bird feeders also provide an excellent opportunity to observe purple finches in many parts of their range. They are unpredictable migrants, so almost any location within their range could host wintering flocks.
Conclusion
So in the end, why are purple finches called “purple” when the males are red? The reasons trace back centuries to early taxonomists but ultimately remain uncertain. What is certain is that the purple finch remains a thriving species across North America, delighting observers with its colorful plumage and cheery song. Learning how to properly identify purple finches based on field marks and range can unlock the appreciation of this common, yet confusingly-named bird.
Season | Behavior |
---|---|
Spring | Breeding, nesting, rearing young |
Summer | Continue breeding, molting, flocking |
Fall | Migrating south, increased vocalizations |
Winter | Flocking, feeding, especially at bird feeders |