Identification - This bird is the size of a sparrow. The adult male has a burgundy red head, throat and chest with grayish white underparts. The back is burgundy red with dark streaks. The color is brightest on the head and rump. The flanks are not streaked with brown as in the House Finch.
Morsels - In some places Purple Finches were once considered a pest because during early spring they would feed upon the buds and flowers of cherry, pear, and other flowering fruits. The finches nibbled the petals, pistols and stamens which were sweet to the taste. Research, however, has shown that damage was not excessive, with the finches eating many insects in the orchards in return for a few buds.