To
see pictures of animals click the blue dot..
Today, backyard birders from coast to
coast can enjoy the sweet warbling of house finch. But it was
primarily a western bird until the 1940's. That's when some caged house
finches were illegally released in Long Island, New York and the hardy
species quickly spread.
Often confused with purple finches, house finches are slimmer and less vibrant and more common.
Common Names: House finch and linnet.
Scientific Name: Carpodacus mexicanus.
Family: Finch
Distinctive Markings:
Males have bright red fore heads, breast and rumps; may also be orange
or yellow. Females and juveniles are streaked grayish brown. All have
brown streaked bellies.
Distinctive Behavior: The males frequently sings.
Song: A varied warble, often ending in a long "veeerrr".
Backyard Favorites: Nyjer, sunflower, mixed birdseed, peanuts, fruit, suet, and sugar water.
Key Facts: Sizes, Breeding, Lifestyle, and Related Species:
Sizes:
Length: 6 in., including tail feathers
Wingspan: 91/2 in.
Breeding:
Nesting:
Females build nest low in tree and cactus cavities, then lay four to
five spotted blue-ish white eggs. They'll also nest in birdhouses,
hanging flower baskets and under eaves.
Lifestyle:
Habitat: Any wooded area where water is available.
Diet: Seeds of berries and weeds, including thistle and dandelion; buds on fruit trees.