Purple Finch Watching in Oregon

The Purple Finch is more common in the eastern United States, but they are also found in reasonable numbers along the west coast, including through much of Oregon. About 5 to 6 inches long, the male Purple Finch is easier to indentify with its pinkish-red head and breast, while the female is mostly white with no red parts.Their diet consists mostly of seeds of coniferous trees, though in winter they'll often eat seeds from ground plants like dandelions. Purple Finches are also known for their vocalizations, which are unusually warbling and often include imitations of calls from other species.

Habitats for Purple Finches

Purple Finches mostly live in evergreen forests and some mixed forests. During winter they can be found in the high deserts in the central part of the state, and others live all year round nearer the coast. They are commonly found in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge in spring and summer.

Best seasons to see Purple Finches in Oregon

You can find the Purple Finch all year round in the areas near the Oregon coast, and they are usually easiest to find during spring and summer. Many of these birds breed and spend summers in Canada, and those will spend winters in the central parts of Oregon where it's warmest.

Purple Finches in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Evergreen forests
Seasons: All year along the coast
Abundance: Fairly common in the right habitat

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