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johnston47 · Sunday 13th January 2008, 22:12

I'm relatively new to bird identification although several members of my family have been avid birders for many years. I recently photographed a bird in my back yard that I couldn't identify. My brother believes it to be a purple finch that is xanthochromic (yellow instead of purple). Since my brother is something of an authority when it comes to identifying birds, I expect that he's right.

I'm sharing this for anyone who might be interested. I don't know how common this coloration is but, in the event that it's not rare, this might help someone else identify their own yellow purple finch. Of course, please let me know if you disagree with our ID.

**KCFoggin** · Sunday 13th January 2008, 22:16

I've seen this in the past although only occasionally. It does make you scratch your head when you first see one though.

Gentoo · Monday 14th January 2008, 01:01

This happens in House Finches a lot but never known it to occur in Purple Finches although I suppose it does happen.

Sunday 13th January 2008, 22:12	#1
johnston47 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Anselmo, CA Posts: 3	yellow purple finch? I'm relatively new to bird identification although several members of my family have been avid birders for many years. I recently photographed a bird in my back yard that I couldn't identify. My brother believes it to be a purple finch that is xanthochromic (yellow instead of purple). Since my brother is something of an authority when it comes to identifying birds, I expect that he's right. I'm sharing this for anyone who might be interested. I don't know how common this coloration is but, in the event that it's not rare, this might help someone else identify their own yellow purple finch. Of course, please let me know if you disagree with our ID. Attached Thumbnails

Sunday 13th January 2008, 22:16	#2
KCFoggin Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Myrtle Beach SC "Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places" Posts: 116,472 My location	I've seen this in the past although only occasionally. It does make you scratch your head when you first see one though. __________________ KC a/k/a common KC Karma - What you send out Comes right back at ya
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Monday 14th January 2008, 01:01	#3
Gentoo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: california Posts: 2,624	This happens in House Finches a lot but never known it to occur in Purple Finches although I suppose it does happen.

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