This vibrant Chesapeake winter visitor is easy to spot against the snow

When winter is in full force over the Chesapeake Bay region and many birds have gone south to warm up, a few species actually come from further north down to visit the watershed for the winter. One of these birds is the purple finch— a deep raspberry colored songbird with distinct warbling songs. 

For those who aren’t packing up their binoculars when the temperatures drop, the purple finch can be a very rewarding find. While not uncommon during the winter months in the Bay region, this bird would be difficult to spot as it returns further north once temperatures start to warm up. The purple finch can also be a great find in terms of its beauty alone, as its striking purple plumage creates a stark contrast from the dull colors that winter often brings. 

For birders who aren’t quite convinced to bundle up and spend time outside in the cold looking for this species, there’s no need to worry about missing out! The purple finch is notorious for visiting bird feeders, as seeds, buds and berries make up the majority of their diet. The purple finch is a foraging species, often looking in trees and on the ground for food, but they have no issue making life a little easier by stopping by backyard bird-feeders. 

The purple finch is also one of the few birds that continues to showcase its songs during the winter months. Though they are somewhat quieter than during their breeding season back north, they will still break into distinct soft, musical warbles on mild days. 

This winter, keep your eyes and ears open to see if you can spot one of the most beautiful winter visitors!

To learn more about the purple finch and other winter visitors, check out our field guide.