"The House Finch was originally a bird of the southwestern United States and Mexico. In 1940 a small number of finches were turned loose on Long Island, New York, and they quickly started breeding. They spread across the entire eastern United States and southern Canada within the next 50 years."
Which is why when the House Finches first showed up at our feeders 25 years ago, we couldn't find them in our bird books. They weren't supposed to be in SW Michigan.When they arrived we were living in the city of Battle Creek. The House Finches took over the feeders and have been common and plentiful ever since.
The male has red on his head, chest, and sometimes other patches of red here and there. The red spots are not consistent from male to male. Some are much prettier than others.
House Finches are about the size of a slightly large sparrow. The females are very sparrow looking except for the heavy finch bill. 
This young House Finch hasn't lost his/her head tufts yet, but it was a quick study on how to use the feeder for easy food. 
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1 comment:
Thanks so much for the info on the finches. They are a regular visitor to my feeders as well. I enjoyed the pictures a lot.
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