House Finch

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

Least Concern

Often spotted in urban and suburban areas, the House Finch is a vibrant bird native to North America. With its warm red coloring and melodic song, it brings a touch of nature's charm into the bustling city life. This sociable finch is known for its adaptability, thriving in varied habitats from Canada to Mexico.

Appearance and Identification

Primary Color

Red

Primary Color (female)

Brown

Primary Color (juvenile)

Brown

Secondary Colors

Brown, White

Secondary Colors (female)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Brown

Wing Color (female)

Brown

Wing Color (juvenile)

Brown

Beak Type

Short

Beak Color

Light Grey

Beak Color (female)

Light Grey

Beak Color (juvenile)

Light Grey

Leg Color

Pinkish Brown

Leg Color (female)

Pinkish Brown

Leg Color (juvenile)

Pinkish Brown

Distinctive Markings

Red forehead, throat and breast in males

Distinctive Markings (female)

Streaked underparts, no red coloring

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Streaked underparts

Tail Description

Short and notched

Tail Description (female)

Short and notched

Tail Description (juvenile)

Short and notched

Size Metrics

13cm to 15cm

Length

20cm to 25cm

Wingspan

16g to 27g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Warbled song

Call Description

Variety of chirps and trills, often repetitive

Alarm Calls

Sharp cheeps

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, roosting in trees at night

Social Habits

Social, often found in large flocks

Territorial Behavior

Defends nesting sites

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory

Interaction with Other Species

Mixed with other finch species

Diet

Primary Diet

Seeds, Berries

Feeding Habits

Feeds in trees, shrubs, and on the ground

Feeding Times

Throughout the day

Prey Capture Method

Picking

Diet Variations

Supplements diet with insects during breeding season

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

In trees, shrubs, or on buildings

Nest Construction

Loose, open cup of twigs and grasses

Breeding Season

April to August

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Up to three, sometimes more

Egg Appearance

Small, pale blue-green with few black spots

Egg Size

Approximately 2cm x 1.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

2-7 eggs

Incubation Period

Around 14 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 2 weeks

Parental Care

Both parents feed chicks, females incubate the eggs and males will feed the female

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

North America, from Canada to Mexico

Habitat Description

Urban and suburban areas, farmland, forest edges

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2000m

Migration Patterns

Non-migratory

Biome

Urban, Suburban, Farmland, Forest edge

Climate zones

Temperate

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

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