House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The House Finch is a small, sparrow-sized bird with a stout beak and a slightly notched tail. Males display vibrant red on their head, breast, and rump, contrasting with brown-streaked backs and wings.
Females and juveniles lack red coloration and instead show overall brown plumage with streaked underparts. Both sexes have pale wing bars and a slightly curved culmen on their beaks.
Size
Length
12.5cm to 15cm
Wingspan
20cm to 25cm
Weight
16g to 27g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Originally native to western North America, House Finches have successfully expanded across the continent and can now be found in most of the United States and southern Canada. They thrive in urban and suburban environments, including parks, gardens, and farmlands.
In the eastern U.S., they were introduced in the 1940s and have since become widespread. These adaptable birds are year-round residents in most of their range, with some northern populations showing short-distance migration.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a House Finch. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
House Finches display considerable agility, evident in their bouncy flight pattern and ability to navigate urban environments. Their adeptness at perching on wires and manoeuvring around feeders demonstrates good aerial and perching skills.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As small, sparrow-sized birds, House Finches have limited strength. Their diet primarily consists of seeds and fruits, which doesn't require significant physical power. However, they can crack open seeds with their stout beaks, indicating some localised strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
House Finches show remarkable adaptability, having successfully expanded from western North America to thrive across the continent in various habitats, including urban and suburban areas. Their ability to utilise man-made structures for nesting and exploit bird feeders further demonstrates their adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally, House Finches are not particularly aggressive birds. They are highly social and often seen in flocks, suggesting a more cooperative nature. However, males may display mild territorial behaviour during breeding season, hence the low-moderate score.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While not long-distance migrants, House Finches demonstrate good endurance in their daily activities. They can maintain their bouncy flight pattern over moderate distances and some northern populations undertake short-distance migrations. Their ability to produce multiple broods in a season also suggests decent stamina.
Diet
House Finches are primarily vegetarian, feeding on various seeds, buds, and fruits. They have a particular fondness for sunflower seeds and readily visit bird feeders.
In spring and summer, they supplement their diet with some insects, especially when feeding young.
Behaviour
House Finches are highly social, often seen in flocks at feeders or perched on wires. They exhibit a bouncy flight pattern and are known for their habit of 'billing,' where pairs touch or clasp beaks as a sign of affection. These birds are also frequent bathers, enjoying shallow water sources in gardens and parks.
Vocalisation
The House Finch's song is a cheerful, warbling melody that rises and falls in pitch. Males sing throughout the year, with increased frequency during the breeding season. Their call is a sharp 'cheep' or 'wheat,' often given in flight or when alarmed. Flocks communicate with soft, chattering notes.
Nesting & Breeding
House Finches form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in spring. Males court females with songs and displays, often offering food as part of the courtship ritual.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of twigs, grasses, and leaves, typically placed in trees, shrubs, or on man-made structures. Females lay 3-6 pale blue eggs with small black spots.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, and it is performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 12-15 days. Pairs often produce multiple broods in a season.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the House Finch is not currently of conservation concern, it has faced challenges such as the outbreak of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis in the 1990s. Ongoing monitoring is crucial to detect any population changes. Providing clean feeders and native plants in gardens can support local populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for House Finches at backyard feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds.
- Listen for their cheerful, warbling song, often delivered from exposed perches.
- Observe urban areas, as these birds thrive in human-modified environments.
- Check fruiting trees and shrubs, where they often feed in small groups.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- House Finches can see and distinguish ultraviolet light, which may play a role in mate selection.
- The red coloration in males comes from pigments in their diet, primarily from berries and fruits.
- These birds were originally sold as pets under the name 'Hollywood Finches' before being released in New York in the 1940s.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Haemorhous mexicanus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22720563A132001810.
View source - 3
report, 2017: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count
- 2
website: Partners in Flight
View source
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