Cassin's Finch is a rosy-red finch of western montane conifer forests, slightly larger than the House Finch and with a distinctly peaked crown and longer bill. Males have a brighter crimson crown that contrasts with a streaked nape, helping separate it from the similar Purple Finch. It is nomadic, moving to lower elevations in winter when food is scarce at altitude.
Best time to see a Cassin's Finch
The best time to see a Cassin's Finch is April–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,699 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Cassin's Finch? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Cassin's Finch sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Cassin's Finch? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Cassin's Finch is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.