Earlier today (2/8/95) Roger Peffer wrote:

> I am looking for information regarding hybridization of finches. In
> particular: Cassin's Finch (Carpodacus cassinnii) and Purple Finch
> etc. etc.

An interesting problem. I do not have any information but have recently
thought about a related question. Finchy birds are often very similar
in appearance, and the songs do not help much in IDing them. I still
have problems differentiating the Cassin's and Purple. I observed a flock of
finches last summer (7/3/94) at the Camus Creek burn, a spot which according
to the WA bird finding guide has produced Cassin's in the past.
I believe that during this time of year, Cassin's is the prevalent species
east of the mountains (according to range maps in the field guides).
The birds I saw, however, looked a lot like Purples.

1. Any good hints on this ID problem ? (possible addition to NW bird
ID threads !)

2. Any DNA studies done on W. Purple (californicus) vs. E. Purple
(purpureus) ? The S.A.M. list does not show a potential split,
perhaps because of a lack of DNA studies rather than the existence
of conclusive studies which demonstrate their uni-species status.
I don't know. In any case there is quite a difference in E. and W.
purples, especially in the females. The only place where range overlap
and hence interbreeding studies could have taken place is in C. Canada.
I am talking here about E. Purple vs. W. Purple. Sorry Roger if this is
a little bit off track from your original Cassin's/Purple query.

Anyways, gotta go. I'm off to my categorists anonymous meeting. I feel
an ensuing relapse ...