Purple Finch

A pair of male Purple Finches (Haemorhous purpureus) and one female were spotted at the visitor's center bird feeders alongside some goldfinches. These handsome birds look similar to another common backyard bird, the house finch. Both species are considered American rosefinches, members of the genus Haemorhous. To tell the difference, look at the shade of red on the males—house finches have more bright, orange-red plumage whereas purple finches are a deeper, purple-red. 

Photo by Bill Moses.