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Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery |
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Finches are at the top of the evolutionary line of Ohio's birds. This is a family of small to medium-sized hopping birds. The bill is usually short, conical and stout, allowing them to easily crack the seeds that form the bulk of their diet. In some finches the male is much brighter than the female; in others the sexes are similar. These birds are found in every land habitat in Ohio. The group is the largest bird family in the world and includes grosbeaks, finches, buntings, and sparrows.
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Purple Finch
Carpodacus purpureus
At-a-Glance
• Incubation: 13 days
• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs
• Young Fledge: 14 days after hatching
• Typical Foods: seeds, fruit, and insects
• Ohio Status: Species of Special Interest
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Description
Males of this species have a purplish-red head, back and rump. The wings and tail are brown. Females are brown and streaky with a light stripe behind the eye and dark stripe on the jaw.
Habitat and Habits
The purple finch is often attracted to conifers, but uses many forest types. It is primarily a winter visitor to most of Ohio, although they are common in the northeastern part of the state. There is pronounced migration in April and May, and the males often are heard singing their rich, rapid warbling song. Wintering purple finches are encountered often, and if one is familiar with their dry, metallic pik call note, detection of others becomes easier.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are cups made of grass and twigs. They are usually placed in a conifer tree. |
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