Meet the House Finch

House Finch, Male

The House Finch is a common bird, found in parks and yards all over North America.

They were originally native to the Southwest, living near streams, woodland edges, or chaparral.

In 1940 New York pet store owners, who were selling the birds illegally, released the birds to avoid prosecution. This adaptive bird survived and developed a population that spread westward.

Now it has become so common that many people dismiss it as just another brown bird.

However, if you ask a House Finch, it will tell you that it’s a very important bird. Since they frequent bird feeders, they have helped keep many store owners in business (by selling lots of birdseed). And their song entertains people nationwide.

They’re almost 100% vegetarian, eating seeds, buds, berries, fruits, and leaves. Occasionally, they’ll catch a bug to provide protein for a nestling.

Welcome to this photo celebration.

The female is a plain brown bird.

She can compensate for this by posing against colorful backgrounds.

House Finch, Female

The male can appear with colors ranging from pale orange to bright red.

Pale Orange

Rich Orange

Red

Juveniles have a remnant of downy feathers.

And if you look carefully, you’ll see a bit of orange/yellow in the corner of their bill. This is most easily seen when examining enlarged versions of photos.

House Finch, Juvenile

So the next time that you see a House Finch, say “Hello” and wish them well.

And if you’re with someone, tell them about this bird. Or send them a link to this page.

I’m sure your friend will be impressed.

See more photos of this bird at:

The Joy of Photographing Details

The House Finch Project

Caution

Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation

You can help – Please share this article with others.

Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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