So pretty! One came to the feeders about 15 years ago

This could just be a territorial dispute? Konrad

Looks like a purple finch. House finches don't have as much red on them. Thanks for posting this. Very pretty bird!

Hi Lisa, I really know nothing about bird illness. The only thing I could think of was the relatively sudden change of air temperature (it's been the same here in Massachusetts - unseasonably COLD - but I bet it's even colder where you are). I did read that sudden changes in air temperature can affect birds' energy levels (a study done in Scotland). But I don't know whether the way your bird looks could be explained by something like that. Our birds here are still pretty lively and doing the usual things. Is the bird eating or drinking? Is it losing feathers? I wish that I could be more helpful. Would the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site have information? They seem to be a good place to refer to. Best of luck, I know you care so much about the birds.