Family: Fringillidae, Finches view all from this family

Description 6-6 1/2" (15-17 cm). Larger than both House and Purple Finches. Male's breast coloration paler rose-red than that of Purple Finch; brown-streaked nape and mantle make rosy crown and rump, especially crown, appear more brilliant. Unstreaked flanks and belly pale pink to whitish. Female resembles female Purple Finch, but more finely streaked above and below, with less distinct eye line and jaw stripe. House Finch smaller and slimmer; male redder, with brown-streaked belly.

Habitat Open conifer stands at high elevations.

Nesting 4 or 5 bluish-green eggs, with dark brownish spots, in a cup nest of twigs and rootlets, in a conifer.

Range Breeds from southwestern Canada south to southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Visits lowlands during winter.

Voice   Song is a series of warbles, similar to the Purple Finch's but flutier and more varied. Call note, a high pwee-de-lip, is diagnostic.

Discussion The closely related Cassin's, House, and Purple Finches are each found in different altitudes and habitats; thus there is no competition among them. In California the House Finch is common in arid, hot plains, deserts, and foothills, nesting widely in chaparral and oak woodlands. In the montane forest belt, the Purple Finch is found at the edges of coniferous stands and the shady oak growth of canyons. Cassin's is found higher up in firs and yellow pines.