Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Ontario Birds => Topic started by: Rotarran on April 10, 2013, 10:21:51 PM

Title: Correction: House Finches in Markham
Post by: Rotarran on April 10, 2013, 10:21:51 PM

Thanks to oniedz's post, I found the reported Purple Finches...which turned out to be House Finches.  But there might be Purple Finches around ...might be worth a 2nd look.  Here are the pics of the Housies:

The pair together:
(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/Rotarren/IMG_3423_zpsddc873e3.jpg)

The female:
(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/Rotarren/IMG_3426_zps4a57e0c9.jpg)

The male:
(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/Rotarren/IMG_3429_zps3040d977.jpg)

(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/Rotarren/IMG_3438_zps8f6d2a46.jpg)

Title: Re: Purple Finches in Markham
Post by: Rotarran on April 11, 2013, 08:14:00 AM

Ok I did some research and these seem more like House Finches...especially the female...she has none of the markings that would indicate that she's Purple Finch.  The male might be a Purple...but do Purple and House finches hang out together?  

Would appreciate some ID help.  Thank you.

Title: Re: Purple Finches in Markham
Post by: thouc on April 11, 2013, 08:58:34 AM

Female is definitely a House Finch. I would say male is also a House Finch, due to the streaking on undertail coverts and flanks. This one is a lot redder than usual, put Purple Finches should be the brightest red on head and rump (not seen here), while this one seems brightest on the chest.

Title: Re: Correction: House Finches in Markham
Post by: Rotarran on April 11, 2013, 09:06:14 AM

Thanks Thouc. Yeah this male House Finch did a pretty good Purple Finch impersonation.  But having said that, there might be some Purple Finches around and I just didn't spot them...I'll take a 2nd look if the weather holds up today around noon.