Winter Trend: Decreasing
Purple Finch, 1987–2025.
The dark purple line shows the trend over time predicted by our statistical model, while the shaded purple area shows where we are 95% confident the true trend lies. Gray points are the number of Purple Finches actually observed in participants’ backyards, averaged per observer.
What’s the Story?
The Purple Finch, New Hampshire’s state bird, is an iconic species in our forests and backyards. Purple Finches are considered an irruptive species, meaning their winter numbers fluctuate depending on food supplies farther north. In years when food is abundant in Canada, few make their way south. Yet when food is scarce, large numbers may move into New Hampshire, feeding on conifer seeds and other available resources.
Our analysis of the Backyard Winter Bird Survey shows a troubling trend: a negative binomial regression reveals a significant downward trajectory (β = -0.057 ± 0.008 SE, z = -6.993, p < 0.001).
This translates to reports of Purple Finches decreasing by about 6% per year, even when accounting for changes in the number of Backyard Winter Bird Survey participants over time.
A similar decline has been seen in eBird Status and Trends data with a decline of 13.9% from 2012-2022 in New Hampshire. Interestingly, this same dataset shows an increase in other areas of their range including parts of Canada to our north (see the map here).
Purple Finches are often confused with the more common House Finch. Before House Finches expanded into the region, Purple Finches were widespread in New Hampshire. However, research suggests that competition with the non-native House Finch may be contributing to declines, with both species vying for food and nesting sites.
Climate change may pose an additional threat. Since New Hampshire lies at the southern edge of the Purple Finch’s breeding range, warming temperatures could further reduce suitable habitat for this species.
Feeding Tips
- Purple Finches love black oil sunflower seeds and Nyjer. They will also readily eat sunflower chips and safflower.
- Purple Finches visit a variety of feeders, from hanging tube feeders to platform feeders.
In Your Backyard
- Purple Finches are far more common than House Finches north of the White Mountains. If you spot one south of the Whites—especially in high numbers—take a closer look, as it could be a House Finch.
- While Purple Finches breed primarily in conifer forests, in winter they can be found in a range of habitats from backyards to forest edges.
ID Tips
Male Purple Finch by Len Medlock.
Male Purple Finches appear to have been “dipped in raspberry juice” with purple on the head and back. They also have less streaking on the back than the House Finch. Both sexes have a deeply notched tail.
Female Purple Finch by Pam Hunt
Female Purple Finches are brown with a white stripe above the eye.
Look Alike Alert: House Finch
House Finches can be confused with Purple Finches. If you spot a Purple Finch south of the White Mountains, remember to take a closer look.
Male House Finch by Caitlin McMonagle, 2024 Backyard Winter Bird Survey.
Male House Finches are fire engine red on the head, breast, and rump. However, they have brown on much of their back. Both sexes have a more squared off tail.
House Finch by Rebecca Scott, 2025 Backyard Winter Bird Survey.
Female House Finches are all brown.