Cassin's Finch

Cassin's Finch

Cassin's Finch: Medium-sized, cheery finch with bright red crown, brown-streaked back. White belly, buff neck,upper breast and rump. Bill tapers evenly to a sharp point. Forages on ground and high in trees, eats mostly conifer seeds and buds, some insects. Swift bounding flight on rapid wing beats.

● Song: "cheep, cheep, cheep", "kee-up", "pwee-ee-lip"

● Foraging & Feeding: Cassin's Finch: Feeds on seeds and buds, especially those from conifers, and fruits; also eats insects during summer.

● Breeding & nesting: Cassin's Finch: Four or six blue green eggs with brown and black spots are laid in a cup nest made of twigs and rootlets, usually built in a conifer. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Cassin's Finch: House Finch has streaked underparts, less purple on head, longer tail, and different call notes. Purple Finch has unstreaked undertail coverts and smaller bill. Pine Siskin is similar to female, but is smaller and lacks face pattern.

Flight Pattern