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 social birds often found in noisy flocks and are frequent visitors to backyard feeders.
Additional Information
- Region of Origin: Western North America; now introduced and widespread across the entire United States and Southern Canada
- Typical Sighting Period: Year-round in most of its range
- Plumage Details: Adult males have a rosy-red face and upper breast, with a streaky brown back and belly. Females are plain grayish-brown with thick, blurry streaks on the underparts. Plumage color in males varies from pale yellow to deep red depending on diet.
- Ecological Significance: Acts as a primary seed disperser for various plants and provides a food source for small hawks and local predators.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population stable)
- Observation Tips: Easily found at bird feeders containing black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer. They are often perched high in trees or on power lines singing in early spring.
Size & Weight
Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm); Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm); Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-27 g)
Diet
Almost exclusively vegetarian, focusing on seeds, buds, and berries. They forage on the ground or in weed patches.
Habitat
Found in city parks, residential backyards, urban centers, farms, and forest edges.
Migration
Resident to short-distance migrant; most northern populations remain year-round but some move south during harsh winters.
Voice (Call & Song)
A lively, high-pitched warbling song ending with a husky 'zeee' note. Calls include a sharp 'cheep'.
Nesting & Breeding
Open cup nests made of twigs, grasses, and leaves, often placed in trees, hanging planters, or ledges. Clutches are typically 4-5 eggs.
Key Field Marks
Conical beak, blurry brown streaking on the belly, male's red forehead and breast, and a relatively long, square-tipped tail.
Similar Species
Purple Finch (more raspberry-red, less brown streaking on flanks) and Cassin's Finch (larger with a peaked head).
Interesting Facts
The House Finch was originally native to the West but became established in the East after being released by pet shop owners in New York in 1940 who were illegally selling them as 'Hollywood Finches'.