Finches of Wisconsin

Purple Finch

• The Purple Finch is a plump, big-beaked bird described as a “sparrow dipped in raspberry juice.” The state has not performed a biological study, so much remains to be learned about the species, even though it is found throughout Wisconsin.

  Unless homeowners supply black oil or sunflower seeds, the Purple Finch forages for food high in forest trees. The bird prefers to breed in seven types of trees, ranging from the black spruce to the white pine. Competition for a mate is serious business. Pecking the opponent is not uncommon. When finally breeding, the finch usually nests on the branch of a conifer tree. Although the species has declined by as much as 50 percent in the northeast, the Purple Finch population appears to be increasing in Wisconsin. During winter, this bird migrates to the southern states.

American Goldfinch

• Found in southern Wisconsin, the American Goldfinch is also the state bird of Iowa, New Jersey and Washington. People love these small goldfinches for their brilliant yellow color and black-and-white brushed bodies. The female is less flashy, but does sport a conical bill and a pointed, notched tail. Not only is the goldfinch handsome, but it sings a series of "musical warbles and twitters."

  Although the natural habitat of the American Goldfinch is within "weedy fields and floodplains," you may also see them in orchards and and along the road side. The American Godfinch migrates a short distance, but can still be found at backyard feeders year-round. They prefer to feast on thistle seeds.

House Finch

• Otherwise known as the Carpodacus Mexicanus, the House Finch is mainly a year-round resident of Wisconsin. With its long brown tail and streaked breast and belly feathers, this finch is a modest bird. Males are more handsome, with red coloring on their heads and breasts.

  Driving through Wisconsin, you will find House Finches in parks, backyards, urban areas, farm yards and at the edge of forests. These birds sit still as they shell seeds or red berries, crushing them with quick bites. Unlike many birds, House Finches feed their young seeds, rather than insects. Like many finches, they fly in a bouncy movement.

Pine Siskin

• The Pine Siskin is a migratory bird within the finch family. Adults are mostly brown with a short forked tail and barely visible yellow patches. Small seeds constitute most of their diet; however, they feed insects to their young. Like many birds, the Pine Siskin has seen a decline in population. Maintaining the coniferous forests of Wisconsin, is vital to their well-being.