Purple Finch
The purple finch is a very common feeder bird, and they are a delight to watch. Learn how to attract purple finches to your yard, and listen to their song.
Photo: George Harrison
- Scientific Name: Carpodacus purpureus.
- Family: Finch.
- Length: 6 inches.
- Wingspan: 10 inches.
- Distinctive Markings: Male is a raspberry tinge, brightest on head and rump. Tail is notched. Females and juveniles are brown-gray striped.
- Nest: Prefers trees in dense foliage. Females lays four to five pale green-blue eggs speckled with blacks and browns.
- Song: An unstructured but melodious, "fridi ferdi frididifri fridi frr" call.
- Habitat: Openings in swamps, along streams and hillsides near feeding stations.
- Diet: Mostly a seed-eater, but also feeds on weeds, grasses, berries, beetles and caterpillars.
- Backyard Favorites: Sunflower seeds and millet.
Listen to this bird’s song