Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/11/2010

Question
Hi Roger
I live in western Canada.
A week ago I noticed a pair of sparrow like birds, with purple head and breast on the male, on the fence.The male has a lovely long song, not unlike a robin.
I think they are nesting in my neighbours ornamental cedar.
There seems to be a couple birds that fit the description in my book, but a friend thinks they are house finches, which are currently expanding their territory into western Canada.
Sorry no picture, what do you think?
Today I went to WalMart and got a finch feeder. It looks like a long white sock full of niger seed. I know I cant expect instant results, just wondering when or if they will show up for dinner.
Thanks!

Answer
I can't tell you exactly from your description, but in western Canada (depends on where in western Canada), one can find House Finches, Cassin's Finches, and Purple Finches, which all fit your description. None, however, has a song like a robin. Given that they are nesting in your neighbor's ornamental cedar, I strongly suspect they are House Finches.Take a close look. If they have streaked flanks (lower belly below the wings), then they are House Finches.