Sparrow-sized finch with relatively long wings and notched tail. Adult males have light pinkish throat and breast, blending with white belly. Brownish face with pink wash on eyebrow and submoustachial stripe. Bright red crown. Heavily streaked back with pinkish wash. Pink rump. Flanks and undertail coverts have varying amount of fine, crisp dark streaks. Females and immature males brownish with coarsely streaked white underparts. Distinguished from Purple Finch by its more crisply streaked underparts, its longer more pointed bill with straight culmen, and by voice.

Length: 16 (cm) Wingspan: 25 (cm)

Voice:

Song a bright, varying warble; longer than Purple and House Finches. Flight call a dry, variable keetup or dee-dee-yip.

Habitat:

Usually inhabits dry, semi-open woodlands; prefers pine. A high-elevation bird, but occasionally found at lower elevations, especially during winter.

Behavior:

Prefers to forage in trees or weedy vegetation; less frequently forages on ground. Forms small flocks in fall and winter. May visit feeders.

Feeding:

Diet primarily consists of seeds, nuts and berries; occasionally eats insects.