PLATE XXV.—PURPLE FINCH. 
Carpodacus purpureus. 
Body crimson, paler on rump and belly; back streaked with 
brown; wings, brown, some of the feathers edged with reddish; tail, 
the same color as the wings, forked; bill conical, horn-color: feet 
brown. Length, 6.20 inches. 
Resident. Nests in trees, sometimes rather high in the branches. It is difficult to 
say why this bird has been called purple. Dr. Coues writes : ‘* The shade of red is very 
variable, almost anything but purplish.” Mr. Burroughs has caught the purple tint; he 
says: ‘* The color is peculiar, and looks as if it might have been imparted by dipping a 
brown bird in diluted pokeberry juice. Two or three more dippings would have made 
the purple complete.” 
The song of the Purple Finch is a charming one, which coupled with the gentle 
deportment and trustful and social disposition of the bird, renders it a general favorite. 
During the breeding season it pairs; but after parental duties are over, it is generally 
seen only in small fiocks. 
