Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus), Ash Canyon B&B, Cochise County

This male Purple Finch was photographed by Bob Starks  around mid-day on on 31 January 2010.

Mary Jo Ballator writes:

"This bird appeared ill. It was lethargic, staying on the ground, and its feathers were all puffed up. It tried to feed but I observed that it was struggling with a sunflower seed which it did not appear able to get down. I suspect trich (Trichomonas gallinae). I could not capture the bird that day, as it could still fly. I looked for the bird in vain the next day."

Purple Finch is a casual transient and winter visitor with only a few recent documented records. 

The short primary projection and strongly curved culmen are the best marks for separating this male California Purple Finch (C. p. californicus) from male Cassin's Finch. 

31 January 2010, photos by Bob Starks

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