Watercolor portrait of Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus
Partially migratory and irruptive Breeds in coniferous and mixed forests o… Fairly common Warbling song

Learn to identify the Purple Finch by ear. Master the "rich warble" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“rich warble”

What the Purple Finch sounds like

A chunky, medium-sized finch with a large beak. Males are a rich raspberry-red ("purple" in older usage refers to wine-colored) over the head and chest, with diffused streaking on the sides and a mix of brown and red on the back. Their underparts are whitish with a rosy wash and some faint streaks. Females are brown and white, heavily patterned with thick blurry streaks on the breast and flanks. Females have a strong white eyebrow and mustache stripe, giving the face a bold pattern. Both sexes have notched tails and stout, conical bills. Compared to the more ubiquitous House Finch, Purple Finches are slightly larger and the males have a more widespread wash of red (covering back and flanks) while females have a more defined facial pattern.

“rich warble”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rich, flowing warble composed of a mix of whistles and warbling notes. The song is often a few seconds long and can include imitations of other bird species woven into it. It's similar to a House Finch's song but generally more fluid, longer, and with a sweet tonal quality (less scratchy). Males usually sing from high perches in trees. Females can also sing a shorter, softer warble, sometimes while on the nest. Often written as “rich warble”.
Don't confuse with:The House Finch — male house finches are more orange-red (or sometimes purplish) concentrated on the head and breast, with brown streaked flanks and belly.

Lessons featuring the Purple Finch

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Purple Finch's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Finch Clinic: Warbles & Potato-Chips lesson habitat
Finch Clinic: Warbles & Potato-Chips
Tier 3 · Family Reunion
Finch Face-Off: Warble Wars lesson habitat
Finch Face-Off: Warble Wars
Tier 10 · Going Deeper
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in coniferous and mixed forests of the northern U.S. and Canada, including spruce-fir forests and sometimes deciduous woods. Also found in montane forests in the West. Outside of breeding season, they occur in woodlands, groves, suburban areas, and at feeders. In winter, often found in semi-open areas with trees, like forest edges, orchards, and backyards (especially those with evergreens). They favor areas with seeds and berries and are often near conifer stands even in winter.

On breeding grounds in spring, males sing their rich warbling songs from high perches. Nesting occurs from late spring into summer; they often nest on horizontal branches of conifers or thick shrubs. By late summer, they form flocks and may begin moving. In autumn and winter, they often appear in small flocks at feeding stations or roaming through forests searching for cone crops. Their presence in winter can vary year to year: some winters they are common at feeders in the mid-Atlantic states, for instance, and other years scarce (depending on the abundance of northern food supply). Come spring (March-April), flocks return north or to higher elevations, and pairs form for breeding. They can raise multiple broods in favorable conditions.

Similar species

House Finch

Male House Finches are more orange-red (or sometimes purplish) concentrated on the head and breast, with brown streaked flanks and belly.

Cassin's Finch

In western North America, Cassin's Finch is another similar species.

Purple Finch song FAQ

What does a Purple Finch sound like?
A rich, flowing warble composed of a mix of whistles and warbling notes. The song is often a few seconds long and can include imitations of other bird species woven into it. It's similar to a House Finch's song but generally more fluid, longer, and with a sweet tonal quality (less scratchy). Males usually sing from high perches in trees. Females can also sing a shorter, softer warble, sometimes while on the nest. Listen for the "rich warble" phrase.
How do I tell a Purple Finch from a House Finch by sound?
House Finch: Male House Finches are more orange-red (or sometimes purplish) concentrated on the head and breast, with brown streaked flanks and belly.; They lack the overall raspberry wash of the Purple Finch male.; Female House Finches are plainer gray-brown without the bold white eyebrow; they have a uniformly streaked head and blurry streaks below.; Also, House Finch bills are a bit more curved on the upper ridge.; Purple Finches have a cleaner look (males) or crisper pattern (females)..
When is the best time to hear a Purple Finch?
On breeding grounds in spring, males sing their rich warbling songs from high perches. Nesting occurs from late spring into summer; they often nest on horizontal branches of conifers or thick shrubs. By late summer, they form flocks and may begin moving. In autumn and winter, they often appear in small flocks at feeding stations or roaming through forests searching for cone crops. Their presence in winter can vary year to year: some winters they are common at feeders in the mid-Atlantic states, for instance, and other years scarce (depending on the abundance of northern food supply). Come spring (March-April), flocks return north or to higher elevations, and pairs form for breeding. They can raise multiple broods in favorable conditions.