House Finch
House Finch: Medium-sized finch with brown-streaked back and wings, and brown-streaked white underparts. Head, throat, and rump are pink-red. Tail is relatively long and weakly notched. Bill is short and slightly decurved. Feeds mostly on seeds, takes some insects and fruits. Swift bounding flight.
● Song:
"zeeeeee"
● Foraging & Feeding:
House Finch: Eats mostly seeds, including those from thistle, dandelion, sunflower, and mistletoe, but also buds and fruits; forages on the ground.
● Breeding & nesting:
House Finch: Two to six blue eggs with lavender and black spots at large end are laid in a tightly woven, compact nest set in a bush, thicket, natural cavity, or on a building. Nest is built by the female and is made of twigs, grass, leaves, rootlets, bits of debris, and feathers. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.
● Similar species:
House Finch: Cassin's and Purple finches have streaks on breasts, shorter, notched tails, and different calls. Other female finches have streaked faces and shorter, notched tails.
● Range & Habitat:
House Finch: Resident throughout the west, from southern Canada to southern Mexico, and east to Nebraska. Introduced to eastern North America, where it is now widespread in cities and residential areas. In the west, preferred habitats include chaparral, deserts, orchards, and suburban areas.