House Finch
Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Fringillidae
Brief Description
A small-bodied finch with a large beak and a long, slightly notched tail. They are highly social and common at backyard bird feeders.
Additional Information
- Region of Origin: Western North America; now found throughout the United States, southern Canada, and Mexico
- Typical Sighting Period: Year-round throughout most of its range
- Plumage Details: Adult males feature a bright red or orange-red forehead, throat, and breast, with brown-streaked backs and wings. Females and juveniles are plain grayish-brown with heavy, blurry streaking overall.
- Ecological Significance: As primary seed-eaters, they assist in seed dispersal and are a steady food source for urban predators like hawks.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population stable)
- Observation Tips: Very easy to attract to backyards using sunflower seeds or nyjer. Often found in noisy flocks on power lines or in urban bushes.
Size & Weight
Length: 5.1-5.5 in; Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in; Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Diet
Almost exclusively plant-based, primarily seeds, buds, and berries. They forage on the ground or at feeders.
Habitat
Urban and suburban areas, farms, forest edges, and desert grasslands.
Migration
Resident to short-distance migrant; most populations are non-migratory.
Voice (Call & Song)
A lively, high-pitched warbling song ending in a harsh downward slur; calls are a sharp 'cheep'.
Nesting & Breeding
Cup-shaped nests built in trees, cavities, or ledges of buildings. Lays 3-6 bluish-green eggs with dark spots.
Key Field Marks
Adult males have red on the face and breast but brown streaking on the belly and flanks. Heavy, blunt bill.
Similar Species
Purple Finch (males have more raspberry-red on back, females have cleaner white eyebrow) and Cassin's Finch (straighter bill and peaked head).
Interesting Facts
The red coloration in males comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet; if they don't eat enough specific berries or seeds during molt, they may turn orange or yellow.