Cassin’s Finch or Purple Finch?

General appearance

Cassin’s Finch is a medium-sized finch with a distinctive appearance characterized by its sturdy build and conical bill. Its plumage is predominantly brown, with streaked back and wings, and a light belly. Observers can identify it by its split short tail and pointed wings when in flight.

Male vs female

Male Cassin’s Finches are striking with their bright raspberry-red crown which blends into pinkish-red on the throat and breast. This coloration is more vibrant during the breeding season. Females, in contrast, lack the red hues, displaying streaked gray-brown plumage overall with distinctive facial markings, such as a pale eyebrow line and streaked underparts.

Juvenile

Juvenile Cassin’s Finches resemble females but are paler and have a more buffy appearance. They are heavily streaked with brown both above and below. As they mature, juvenile males begin to develop their characteristic red coloration. Seasonal variations include paler tones during the non-breeding season. They can be identified by their habitat in highland coniferous forests and their distinctive, warbling song.

Primary habitat

Cassin’s finch primarily inhabits high mountain coniferous forests, often near the treeline. It prefers spruce and fir trees, along with pine and Douglas-fir in some regions.

Additional range

In winter, the bird resides in conifer mountain forests, occasionally migrating to open woods in lower valleys. It is also known to inhabit pinyon-juniper woods.

Natural diet

Cassin's Finches primarily consume seeds, buds, and berries. Their diet mainly consists of vegetable material. They commonly eat the buds of various trees, which often form a staple part of their diet. Seeds from many trees, particularly conifers, are also significant in their diet, along with seeds from weeds. In addition to seeds and buds, they feed on berries and small fruits when these are available. During the summer months, their diet may be supplemented with insects.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, Cassin's Finches might consume a variety of seeds commonly offered. These could include sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, or mixed seeds. They might also be attracted to suet or fruit provided at feeders, although these are not primary components of their natural diet.