Southeast Birds

finch at birdfeeder

Description

The male House Finch has a red head and chest. His wings are short with brown, gray and black streaks just as his tail feathers. His belly and back are brown and gray, and his legs and feet are brown.

You may see a variation of color in the male (red, as described above, yellow, or orange). This is due to different pigments in their diet during molt.

The female House Finch has short wings streaked with brown, gray, and black just like the male. However, unlike the male, her head is brown and gray as is her body. Her legs and feet are also brown.

Both birds have thick stout beaks. They range from 5 to 8 inches in size with a wingspan of 6 to 10 inches. They normally weigh around 1 ounce.

Habitat

finch perched on feeder

The House Finch is a resident bird, meaning there is little to no migration. and inhabit most of North America. The House Finch frequently inhabits human populated areas. They are commonly seen in rural areas as well as neighborhhods and backyards. Although they originally inhabited brushy deserts and open areas of the west. they recently expanded to the east. Also, a source of water for drinking and bathing are usually somewhere nearby.

Diet

The House Finch normally feeds on weed seeds as well as bird seeds from backyard feeders. They will also eat soft fruits as well as seeds from berries. Canary seeds and sunflower are also a favorite part of their diet.

Facts
- House Finches were introduced to the East in the 1940′s by bird dealers.

- They used to be known as “Hollywood Finches” because they originated in the west.

- They nest in groups and fly in flocks when not breeding.

- Incubation period is about two weeks (14 days)

- A group of House Finches are known as a development