General

Cassin's Finch: Medium-sized, cheery finch with bright red crown and brown-streaked back. Belly is white and neck, upper breast, and rump are buff. Bill tapers evenly to a sharp point. Female has crisp brown streaks over entire body and no red hues.

Range and Habitat

Cassin's Finch: Breeds from southwestern Canada south to southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico; visits lowlands during winter. Preferred habitats include open conifer stands at high elevations.

Breeding and Nesting

Cassin's Finch: Four or six blue green eggs with brown and black spots are laid in a cup nest made of twigs and rootlets, usually built in a conifer. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Cassin's Finch: Feeds on seeds and buds, especially those from conifers, and fruits; also eats insects during summer.

Readily Eats

Peanuts, Suet, Millet, Fruit, Sunflower Seeds (hulled)

Vocalization

Cassin's Finch: Song is a series of warbles. Call note, a high "pwee-de-lip", is diagnostic.

Similar Species

Cassin's Finch: House Finch has streaked underparts, less purple on head, longer tail, and different call notes. Purple Finch has unstreaked undertail coverts and smaller bill. Pine Siskin is similar to female, but is smaller and lacks face pattern.