A rosy western mountain finch that may visit sunflower feeders in winter but depends primarily on evergreen and aspen woodland.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Choose a starting point for Cassin's Finch. Open a setup to see the supplies, steps and checks for your location.
Locally suitable plants with ripe fruit
See setup & checksNatural branch forks and foliage
See setup & checksBlack-oil seed + a raised platform
See setup & checksResource illustrations are not complete nest-box designs or a promise of visits.
They use conifer seeds, buds, fruit, and some insects. Aspen buds can be especially important in spring. Sunflower feeders may attract birds already in the area during winter; food availability and seasonal movement affect whether a flock visits.
Look in western mountain conifer forests and aspen woodland. Birds may move to lower elevations in winter. Retaining mature evergreen cover and natural seed sources is more useful than adding a feeder to a yard outside their normal habitat. Their cup nests are usually built in trees, often conifers.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look in high-elevation evergreens, quaking aspens, mountain yards, fruiting shrubs, and small twittering finch flocks.
Food
Seeds from conifers and other plants, buds, fruit, and some insects, especially in the breeding season.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
Mountain conifer forest, aspen groves, and mixed woodland; retain mature evergreen cover and natural seed sources.
Seeds from conifers and other plants, buds, fruit, and some insects, especially in the breeding season.
A clean sunflower feeder can help in winter; fruiting shrubs such as mulberry, apple, grape, or firethorn may also be used.
Builds a cup nest in a tree, commonly in conifer or other woodland cover; keep branches and nesting cover undisturbed.
Forages in small flocks, often alongside other finches or grosbeaks, and males give fast rolling songs from high perches.
Watch a feeder or sunlit conifer edge from a distance, paying attention to the peaked head and sturdy bill.
Keep feeders dry and clean to reduce disease risk among concentrated finches.
Continue exploring
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
