Species of the Month

January’s article written by Brian Pomfret, Master Bird Bander at Ruthven Park National Historic Site

(Originally published in November 2023)

In November the cold of approaching winter is foreshadowed through more common overnight frosts. Neotropical migrant species of bird have arrived at – or are quickly approaching – their overwintering sites in warmer climes, and short distance migrants have mostly departed our area. November is the month when species of bird that overwinter in southern Ontario arrive, and the composition of bird communities found at backyard bird feeders show evidence of change.

The Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpereus) is an example of a short distance migrant that can be found in southern Ontario in November that frequently overwinters. They breed in coniferous and mixed coniferous/deciduous forests across Canada, and along the Pacific coast of the United States. The northern population of Purple Finch typically migrate to the southeastern United States while southern populations remain in place. However, the migration of Purple Finches is tied to the abundance of the cone crops of the conifers in the forests in which they live. Populations of Purple Finch in areas with a poor cone crop will move to areas where cones are more abundant, while others in areas with abundant cones stay throughout the winter.

The Purple Finch weighs between 18 and 32g, is approximately 14cm in length, and has a wingspan of between 22 and 26cm. Despite the name, neither the male nor female Purple Finch is actually purple. Males are raspberry red, or old rose, in colour on their upper parts, while females are streaky brown in appearance and have a broad white stripe above their eyes. Both genders have whitish, streaked, underparts. The tail of the Purple Finch is short with a distinct fork when at rest, and the beak is large, powerful, and conical in shape.

In the summer months Purple Finch can be found foraging in the forest canopy, feeding on the seeds of conifers, elms (Ulmus spp.), maples (Acer spp.), and others, on soft buds, and upon nectar, obtained through biting the base off of nectar laden flowers. Berries are also eaten, typically blackberries (Rubus spp.), juniper (Juniperus spp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron spp.), along with caterpillars, aphids, and beetles.

The nest of the Purple Finch is an open cup made of twigs and roots situated on a horizontal branch. The cup is lined with various grasses, moss, and hair. In the northern part of their range the nest is typically located in a conifer, while in the south deciduous is preferred.  

During the winter Purple Finch can be found in shrublands, old fields, and forest edges. They often come to the ground to feed on seeds from plants and stalks found in weedy fields. Purple Finch will utilize bird feeders, preferring black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and thistle seeds. They will perch on various types of feeders, or feed on the ground on spilled, or otherwise broadcast, seed.

The eastern population of Purple Finch has been undergoing a gradual decline over the past few decades. The reason for this decline is thought to be competition with the more aggressive, introduced, House Finch (H. mexicanus), a species that originated in western North America. The decline is not considered alarming however and the Purple Finch is of low conservation concern.

During fall migration, and throughout suitable winters, look for Purple Finch at the feeder stations at Ruthven Park, and along the Grand River Trail, and trails through the Butterfly Meadow.