Lessons of the Purple Finch

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpuieus)

Found in the Northeast and Southern United States, Purple Finch is a stout bird. Unlike House Finch, he can lift his feathers into a near crest. Also his raspberry coloring on his head, breast, and rump distinguishes Purple Finch from his fellow finches.

Living in coniferous forests and in open pastures, Purple Finch forages for seeds and berries. During the winter, He often visits local bird feeders for sunflower seeds and millet. Fond of salt, Purple Finch appreciates the human who sets out a salt cake. Loving water, He will use a birdbath in the winter.

Purple Finch carefully weaves and lines her nest with animal hair and soft grasses. Her cuplike nest can be found in the front of conifers. So carefully constructed are these nests that Purple Finches will use them for generations to come.

Aggressive in defending his territory, Purple Finch is no match for House Finch and English Sparrow. These two invaders have driven Purple Finches out of many nesting places. The State Bird of New Hampshire, Purple Finch is loosing out to these introduced birds everywhere.

Will this bird of glorious song disappear from the American landscape? Will the time come when people will not witness Purple Finch tenderly offer his mate a stick for their nest? As Purple Finch weaves her nest for posterity, so do we weave the web of our world. This bird gives us pause for thought.

Sources:

Roth, Sally, “The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide”, Rodale Inc, New York, 2007

______, “All About Birds: Purple Finch”, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed 17 Nov 2008

______, “Bird Web: Purple Finch”, Seattle Audubon Society, accessed 17 Nov 2008

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

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