517. Carpodacus purpureus 
PURPLE FINCH. 6 inches 
Male. Above crimson, streaked with brown, brightest on rump; 
bill ¢hzck and rounded ; tail notched. Below crimson, shading to 
gray on the belly. Female and young males. Above and below 
brown, streaked like sparrows. 
May be recognized by a thick rounded bill and the fact of living 
among high branches in contrast to sparrows nearer the ground. 
Common in Massachusetts where a few winter. The migrants 
arrive in March. 
Song. Joyful, rich warble from the tree top, also on the wing. 
Nest. Preferably in coniferous trees. 
Breeds. Throughout New England. 
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