Map Quiz 11 - answer

The map below shows the breeding range for our mystery bird. The records from MS and GA are anomalous.

This was a difficult one! This species is a widespread breeder across the northern forests of the Lower 48, stretching west along the edge of the northern Great Plains, and then extending south along the Pacific Coast. Several people suggested Winter Wren (soon to be split!). Winter Wren has a similar distribution, but also occurs in the northern Rockies and on the Aleutians. Our mystery bird is none other than the Purple Finch, which occurs in two distinct forms, one in the Eastern forest and one in the Pacific. They are actually quite different both visually and vocally, and eastern birds undergo massive irruptions in some years, whereas western birds are more sedentary. Maybe a quiet candidate for the next split????