Cassin’s Finch

Carpodacus cassinii

Description:

Cassin's Finch is a medium sized finch. The male has pink head with brighter pink cap. The throat and upper breast are rose pink, and belly is pinkish white. The back is gray with reddish wash and dark streaks. The rump is pink. Female resembles Purple Finch but more finely streaked above and below, with less distinct eyeline and jaw stripe. The tail is strongly notched. Total length of this bird is 6-6½ inches.

Voice:

Song is a series of lively warbles. Call note is a high pwee-de-lip or kee-up.

Food:

They mainly eat seeds, insects and small fruits.

Nest:

Female will lay 4-5 bluish-green eggs with dark brownish spots, in a cup nest of twigs and rootlets. The nest is built mostly in a conifer.

Habitat:

Open conifer forests at high elevations.

Range:

Interior mountain ranges or valleys of the west from Southern California to Canada, east to the Rocky Mountains.

Photo Courtesy of Tom Grey

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