What Is New Hampshire State Bird? The Purple Finch

The New Hampshire state bird is the Purple Finch, a vibrant songbird officially designated as the state's avian symbol in 1957. This designation came after a decision by the New Hampshire General Court to replace the Eastern Purple Finch with this specific species, clarifying what is New Hampshire state bird for educational and cultural purposes. The Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) is often mistaken for the House Finch due to similar coloring, but it boasts a more raspberry-red hue on its head and breast, especially in males. As one of the most melodious backyard birds in the northeastern United States, the Purple Finch holds both biological significance and symbolic value for residents of the Granite State.

Historical Background: How the Purple Finch Became New Hampshire's State Bird

The journey to select an official state bird for New Hampshire began in the early 20th century, during a nationwide movement among U.S. states to adopt official symbols representing regional identity. In 1931, the Eastern Purple Finch was initially chosen as the state bird through a vote led by schoolchildren and supported by the New Hampshire Federation of Women’s Clubs. However, taxonomic clarification later revealed that the 'Eastern Purple Finch' was not a distinct species but rather a regional variation of the broader Purple Finch species.

As ornithological understanding advanced, biologists reclassified the bird simply as the Purple Finch, leading to legislative action in 1957. That year, the New Hampshire General Court passed a resolution updating the official state bird designation to reflect accurate scientific classification. This change ensured that what is recognized as New Hampshire state bird aligns with modern bird taxonomy. Unlike some states that have changed their state birds multiple times, New Hampshire has maintained consistent symbolism since the update, reinforcing the bird’s role in local heritage.

Biological Profile of the Purple Finch

To understand why the Purple Finch was selected—and how to identify it in the wild—it's essential to examine its physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat preferences.

Physical Characteristics

Male Purple Finches display a striking rosy-red coloration on the crown, back, and underparts, contrasting with brown streaks on the flanks and wings. Females are less colorful, featuring bold facial markings including a white stripe above the eye and dark streaking below the cheek. Both sexes have conical beaks adapted for cracking seeds, a key trait of finches in the Fringillidae family.

Average measurements include:

Length: 5.5–6.3 inches (14–16 cm)
Wingspan: 8.7–10.2 inches (22–26 cm)
Weight: 0.6–0.9 ounces (18–26 g)

Habitat and Distribution

Purple Finches breed primarily in coniferous and mixed forests across Canada and the northeastern United States, including much of New Hampshire. During winter months, they migrate southward or descend to lower elevations, often appearing in suburban areas, parks, and gardens. Their seasonal presence makes them a common sight at bird feeders, particularly those offering black oil sunflower seeds.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

These birds are granivorous, meaning their diet consists mainly of seeds. They also consume buds, fruits, and insects during breeding season to provide protein for nestlings. At feeders, they prefer platform or hopper styles where they can perch comfortably while feeding.

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Carpodacus purpureus
Family	Fringillidae (Finches)
Lifespan (wild)	Up to 7 years
Nesting Season	May–July
Eggs per Brood	4–6 pale blue eggs with speckles
Conservation Status	Least Concern (IUCN), though populations declining in eastern range

Song and Vocalizations

One of the most distinguishing features of the Purple Finch is its rich, warbling song. Often described as a musical cascade of notes, the male’s vocalization serves to attract mates and defend territory. It differs from the House Finch’s song, which tends to be shorter and more repetitive. Learning to recognize these sounds enhances the birdwatching experience and helps confirm sightings—especially useful when visual identification is challenging.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance in New Hampshire

The selection of the Purple Finch reflects deeper cultural values within New Hampshire. Known as the 'Granite State,' New Hampshire prides itself on resilience, independence, and natural beauty—all qualities mirrored in the hardy nature of the Purple Finch. The bird thrives in cold climates, enduring harsh winters, much like the state’s inhabitants.

In schools and civic events, the Purple Finch appears in educational materials about state symbols. It fosters environmental awareness and encourages youth engagement in conservation efforts. Moreover, its melodic voice symbolizes harmony with nature, aligning with New Hampshire’s strong outdoor recreation culture and commitment to preserving forested landscapes.

While not featured on the state flag or seal, the bird is commonly illustrated in children’s books, nature centers, and tourism brochures. Its image promotes ecological stewardship and regional pride.

How to Spot the Purple Finch in New Hampshire

For birdwatchers—both novice and experienced—knowing where and when to look increases the chances of observing the state bird in its natural environment.

Best Locations for Observation

White Mountain National Forest: Offers extensive coniferous habitats ideal for breeding Purple Finches.
Monadnock State Park: A popular spot during migration seasons, especially at higher elevations.
Local Backyards and Feeders: Especially effective in winter when food sources are scarce in forests.

Optimal Times for Viewing

The best time to see Purple Finches varies by season:

Spring (April–June): Breeding season; males sing frequently and are highly visible.
Fall and Winter (October–March): Increased visits to backyard feeders as birds move to lower altitudes.

Tips for Identification

Look for the male’s raspberry-red head and chest, unlike the orange-red of the House Finch.
Check for a notched tail and stout bill shape.
Listen for a complex, flowing song that lacks sharp chirps.
Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe fine details without disturbing the bird.
Consult field guides such as Sibley’s Guide to Birds or apps like Merlin Bird ID for real-time help.

Common Misconceptions About New Hampshire’s State Bird

Several myths persist regarding what is New Hampshire state bird, often fueled by confusion with similar species:

Misconception 1: "The Purple Finch is the same as the House Finch."
Reality: Though similar, the House Finch (introduced from the western U.S.) has a more limited red pattern, typically confined to the forehead and throat, and lacks the Purple Finch’s strong facial markings.
Misconception 2: "New Hampshire changed its state bird recently."
Reality: The last official change occurred in 1957. There have been no legislative updates since then.
Misconception 3: "The bird is purple in color."
Reality: Despite the name, the plumage is actually a deep crimson or raspberry shade. The term 'purple' originated from early settlers’ descriptions and remains part of the accepted common name.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

Although listed as 'Least Concern' globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the eastern population of the Purple Finch has experienced notable declines over the past few decades. Key threats include:

Habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development
Competition with invasive species like the House Finch
Disease transmission at crowded bird feeders (e.g., salmonellosis)

Conservation initiatives in New Hampshire focus on protecting mature forests and promoting responsible bird feeding practices. Organizations such as the Audubon Society of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department run monitoring programs and public education campaigns to support native bird populations.

What You Can Do to Help

Clean bird feeders regularly with a 10% bleach solution to prevent disease spread.
Plant native trees and shrubs such as hemlock, spruce, and dogwood to provide natural food and shelter.
Participate in citizen science projects like Project FeederWatch or eBird to contribute data on bird populations.
Support land conservation organizations working to preserve forested habitats.

Comparison With Other State Birds

Each U.S. state has chosen a unique bird, often reflecting regional ecology and history. Compared to others, New Hampshire’s choice stands out for its emphasis on native species and scientific accuracy.

Maine: Black-capped Chickadee – shares habitat with the Purple Finch but smaller and more widespread.
Vermont: Hermit Thrush – known for its ethereal song, also found in New Hampshire forests.
Massachusetts: Black-capped Chickadee – adopted for its friendly demeanor and year-round presence.

Unlike states that chose game birds (e.g., Ring-necked Pheasant in South Dakota), New Hampshire emphasized a non-game, songbird species—highlighting appreciation for biodiversity and acoustic natural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is New Hampshire state bird?

The official state bird of New Hampshire is the Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus), designated in 1957.

Why did New Hampshire choose the Purple Finch as its state bird?

It was chosen for its native presence in the region, beautiful song, and distinctive appearance. The 1957 legislation corrected earlier taxonomic confusion and affirmed the species as a symbol of state pride.

Is the Purple Finch actually purple?

No, despite its name, the male Purple Finch has a raspberry-red or rose-pink coloration on its head and chest. The name comes from historical naming conventions, not literal purple feathers.

Can I see the Purple Finch in my backyard in New Hampshire?

Yes, especially during winter months. Use feeders with black oil sunflower seeds and maintain clean feeding stations to attract them.

Has New Hampshire ever considered changing its state bird?

There have been no serious legislative proposals to change the state bird since 1957. The Purple Finch remains widely accepted and celebrated across the state.