The Purple Finch is a small bird native to North America that gets its name from the colorful plumage of the males. The males have a bright raspberry red head, breast, and rump with brown streaks on their back and sides. Females and juveniles have more muted brown plumage with slight streaking on their breasts. The Purple Finch was given its common name in the late 18th century to distinguish it from other similar finch species due to the vibrant coloration of the adult males. In this article, we will explore the possible origins of the name “Purple Finch” and some of the unique characteristics of this bird.
Physical Description
The Purple Finch is a medium-sized finch, measuring 4.7-6.3 inches in length with a wingspan of 8.7-10.2 inches. Adult males weigh between 0.6-0.9 oz while adult females weigh 0.5-0.7 oz on average. Here is a table comparing the key physical traits of male and female Purple Finches:
| Trait | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5.5-6.3 in | 4.7-5.9 in |
| Wingspan | 9.4-10.2 in | 8.7-9.8 in |
| Weight | 0.6-0.9 oz | 0.5-0.7 oz |
As you can see, male Purple Finches tend to be slightly larger than females. The long forked tail and conical beak are key identifying features. Their plumage goes through several distinct molts throughout the year. Adult males have the brightest red plumage just after the pre-nuptial molt in late winter through early spring when they are seeking mates. Their coloration fades during the late summer molt. Immature males may only show red on their heads and breasts in their first year. The drab females have brown streaked plumage that provides camouflage while nesting. The coloring of the males led early naturalists to associate them with other red and purple-hued birds.
Habitat and Range
The Purple Finch breeds across Canada and the northern United States as well as parts of the Appalachian Mountains and Pacific Northwest. They prefer coniferous and mixed forests, especially areas with spruce, hemlock, Douglas fir, and pines. Here is a map showing their breeding and year-round range:
Purple Finches undergo irregular migrations in the winter, sometimes wandering south if food becomes scarce. They can be found year-round along the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to northern California and parts of the Atlantic coast. During the winter they are often found at bird feeders getting seeds and suet. Their range overlaps with several other similar finch species which sometimes leads to misidentifications by casual birdwatchers.
Diet
Purple Finches are primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds and nuts. Here is a table of some of their common food sources:
| Food Source | Parts Consumed |
|---|---|
| Conifers | Seeds, buds |
| Birch | Catkins, seeds |
| Maple | Buds, samaras |
| Ash | Seeds |
| Spruce | Cones, seeds |
During summer they supplement their diet with berries and small insects to feed their young. At bird feeders they readily eat sunflower seeds, nyjer, suet, peanuts, and raisins. Their distinctive conical beaks are well-adapted for cracking seeds and extracting them from cones.
Taxonomy and Relationships
The Purple Finch’s scientific name is Haemorhous purpureus. It is classified in the finch family Fringillidae along with other North American finches such as the House Finch, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, and Evening Grosbeak. Here is a diagram of the Purple Finch’s taxonomy:
DNA analysis has shown the Purple Finch’s closest relative is the Cassin’s Finch of western North America. These two finches likely diverged from a common ancestor quite recently in evolutionary history. The Purple Finch has traditionally been placed in the genus Carpodacus but was recently moved to the genus Haemorhous based on genetic evidence. Haemorhous comes from the Greek words haima meaning blood and rhous meaning bill, referencing the red coloration.
Possible Origins of “Purple” Name
So where does the name “Purple” Finch come from if the males are a bright cherry red rather than purple? Here are some of the leading theories:
Powder on Feathers
One theory is that the name comes from the purplish powder sometimes found on the feathers near the preen gland on the rump. This powder comes from the breakdown of oils in the preen gland and while not always present, could lend a purplish sheen in certain lights.
Exaggerated Color Descriptions
Some of the early ornithologists may have exaggerated the red coloration as having a more purple hue. This was done for some other species like the Blue Jay which is not really blue. Describing the finch as purple may have distinguished it from the House Finch and Common Redpoll.
Juvenile and Female Plumage
The drab gray-brown plumage of the females and young birds has a faint purplish cast when seen under the right conditions. Observing one of these individuals rather than an adult male may have influenced the name.
Association with Other Purple Birds
Other common names like Purple Gallinule and Purple Martin may have led to the assumption that this finch also had purple even though the colors are quite different. The association with those better known purple species could have played a role.
Translation Error
One early written description in the 1700s translated the bird’s color from Latin as purple instead of red. This erroneous translation may have originally designated it as the Purple Finch.
Unfortunately there is no consensus on which of these factors contributed most to the origins of the Purple Finch name. Despite the inaccuracy, the name Purple Finch stuck and has been widely used for over 200 years.
Unique Characteristics
Beyond its colorful plumage, the Purple Finch has some other distinctive characteristics and behaviors including:
- Male courtship flights circling high over breeding grounds
- Elaborate warbling songs performed during courtship
- Highly variable irregular migrations based on food supplies
- Ability to hang upside down from branches while feeding
- Hatchlings are born with sparse white down and closed eyes
- Nestlings develop quickly, leaving nest just 2 weeks after hatching
- Respond readily to bird feeders, sometimes hanging upside down
- Females build nests solo, usually on outer branches of conifers
The males in particular have some unique behaviors associated with attracting mates and defending territories. Their spiraling courtship flights high over the trees are aerobatic displays. The males sing constantly through the breeding season, with each one having a unique variation on the warbling song. They are pugnacious in defending nest sites, chasing away other males and even larger birds.
Status and Conservation
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Purple Finch populations declined by 1.3% per year from 1966 to 2015. Here is a table summarizing their conservation status:
| Organization | Status |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List | Least Concern |
| Federal Listing | Not listed |
Though still relatively common, Purple Finches face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and disease. They are vulnerable to avian malaria in warmer parts of their range. Protecting large tracts of coniferous forest will be key to preserving populations into the future. Providing supplemental food sources through backyard bird feeders can also aid finches when natural supplies are low.
With their lively behaviors, stunning plumage, and sweet songs, Purple Finches bring beauty and interest to their forest habitats. Understanding the natural history and conservation needs of species like the Purple Finch helps foster an appreciation for the amazing diversity of North America’s birdlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Purple Finch gets its misleading name from the vibrant red plumage of the males. The exact origins of the name are uncertain, but likely come from early descriptions exaggerating the color, observations of females and juveniles, or mistaken association with other purple-hued species. Beyond the colorful feathers, Purple Finches have many interesting behaviors and adaptations for feeding on seed and conifer cones. While still a relatively common species, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change. Preserving mature coniferous forests across their range and providing supplemental food sources can help maintain healthy Purple Finch populations into the future. Their beautiful songs and spirited nature make them a welcome sight at bird feeders for many nature enthusiasts.
