>
> 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 ...
>

I am also interested in this question. The Purple Finches I see here in
Vancouver are different to the Purple Finches I grew up with in Eastern
Canada. Apart from the differences in female plumage, they also differ in
calls. Eastern Purples give a low, soft 'tuuk' while the birds here are
much sweeter in their delivery, a louder 'tiuup'. As well Vancouver birds
give a 'chuleep' type of call that sounds like a distant budgie, I don't
remember ever hearing this call in the east. The song of the eastern
Purple Finch sounds a lot like an Eastern Warbling Vireo (not to be confused
with the 'Swainson's' Warbling Vireo which sounds different), the birds
here have a more thrush-like cadence in their songs. Perhaps it is another
cryptic species that has been hiding from us. Where is Bob Zink when we
need him!

Al Jaramillo
jaramill at sfu.ca
Vancouver, B.C.
>