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 flocks. 



