The House Finch

The House Finch are small birds measuring just 6 inches in length. The adult male has a bright red crown and breast. The red may extend down to the belly in some House Finches, but not all. They have a long brown tail and are brown across the back fading to gray on the wings. The color varies in intensity with the seasons. It can vary from a pale yellow to a bright orange or red. The female is brown with a streaked breast and belly. The male juveniles have some coloring but it is not as intense as the adults.

The House Finch's natural range extends along the Pacific Coast from Oregon to California and New Mexico. In the 1940's a shipment of House Finches were released in Long Island, New York. Today they can be spotted throughout the eastern seaboard. Those residing in the northern regions usually migrate south, but are year-round residents here in South Carolina.

The House Finch prefers urban and suburban environments where there are buildings, parks, backyards, and birdfeeders.

The House Finch is a monogamous bird. Breeding pairs begin forming in the winter before breeding season starts. The male will put on a courtship display called the 'butterfly flight' for his would-be mate. He will fly high and then descend in a slow smooth glide until he reaches his perch singing loudly along the way. He may also offer his intended bits of food while she crouches and acts like a hungry chick.

Nests are made in cavities such as an abandoned woodpecker nesting site, or an opening in a building. In a corner under the eaves is another popular spot. They will also build nests in thick vegetation such as a large flowerpot, or an ornamental bush up next to a house. The House Finch will willingly use a nest abandoned by other birds, and if a nest survives from one year to the next, they will use it again and again.

The House Finch will lay 2 or more broods a year with 2 to 6 eggs in each brood. The eggs are a pale blue-green with a few black spots. The eggs are incubated for 12 to 14 days and the young leave the nest 11 to 18 days after hatching.

House Finches primarily eat grains, seeds, and berries. They will consume large amounts of dandelion seeds and other weeds growing in lawns and grasslands. They are frequent visitors to backyard birdfeeders especially if it is stocked with sunflower and Nyjer seeds.

The House Finch's song is a cheery warble. Both the male and female sing during mating season but only the male is heard year-round.

Listen to the song of the House Finch: Sound Byte: House Finch, National Park Service

Common Birds and Their Songs (Book and Audio CD)

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