Cassin's Finch
Haemorhous cassinii
Cassin's Finches are master mimics, frequently incorporating the calls of nuthatches and bluebirds into their own complex songs.
- Scientific name
- Haemorhous cassinii
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Fringillidae › Haemorhous
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- High-altitude coniferous forests, particularly Ponderosa, Lodgepole, and Limber pine stands.
- Diet
- Primarily seeds from conifers, buds, and berries; occasionally small insects during breeding season.
- Range
- Western United States, Southwestern Canada, Central Mexico
- Size
- Length: 16 cm; Wingspan: 25-27 cm; Weight: 24-34 g
- Lifespan
- 6 to 7 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation from logging, altered wildfire regimes, and climate-driven shifts in mountain snowpack affecting food availability.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Maintain a respectful distance to enjoy their song. These birds are sensitive to sudden movements; use binoculars for the best view without causing stress.
Cassin's finch ( Haemorhous cassinii ) is a bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. This species and the other "American rosefinches" are placed in the genus Haemorhous .
Photo: CK2AZ, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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