Purple Finch? Cassin's Finch? Or?? (Los Angeles Mountains) (1 Viewer)

[JohnKoerner007]

Male | Female | Juvenile

Taken w/ Nikon Z6 + 800mm FL ED + 2x TC @ 1600mm

Border of LA & San Bernardino Counties, foothills of San Gabriel Mountains, today.

Thanks for any help!

 

[kevinsl06]

The first one is Purple that other two are House.

 

[JohnKoerner007]

The first one is Purple that other two are House.

Thanks for the response.

I've grown up with House Finches all my life ...

I agree the first is Purple ... I've never seen one before ... that hue + those markings. l'd wager the other two are also, because I've never seen "orange" like that before (with almost non-existent striping). These were all congregating together, no House Finch males anywhere ...

Totally different shade of red vs. purple (to my eyes, anyway).

Thanks.

PS: Nor with those white stripes by the eyes.

 

[KC Foggin]

To me the first two are immature male & female Purple Finches.
The third one has me puzzled though.

 

[The Bird Nuts]

Yeah, the first and second are definitely Purple Finches, but the second could be a young male (they don't get their purple color until the next year). Leaning oddly-colored Purple for the last one since the cheeks and wingbars seem to have color. The orange is likely due to diet. I'd like to see a side view of that one to be sure.

 

[JohnKoerner007]

Some More Angles ...

Thanks again for the feedback, much appreciated!

Here are some different angles of the orange-headed one…

I couldn't get a clear side-shot ... but these are the best it gave me before it flew-off.

 

[Birdbrain22]

Yeah, the first and second are definitely Purple Finches, but the second could be a young male (they don't get their purple color until the next year). Leaning oddly-colored Purple for the last one since the cheeks and wingbars seem to have color. The orange is likely due to diet. I'd like to see a side view of that one to be sure.

I agree with all of this. I am pretty sure the third is another Purple as well.

 

[The Bird Nuts]

Yep, it's a neat orange Purple Finch. FYI: A side view of the bill is helpful in differentiating Purple, Cassin's, and House Finches - House Finches have the most curved culmens out of all of them.

 

[JohnKoerner007]

Thanks again for everyone who provided input :t: