by J.G. Turner
The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), a passerine (a song bird), is found year-round across the southern part of western Canada, and throughout the United States and Mexico. Their range in Alberta is expanding northward.
It is a medium-sized finch (about the size of a House Sparrow) with a brown-streaked back and wing, and narrow dark stripes on its whitish under parts. The male’s head, throat and rump are generally a pink-red. The female is easily mistaken for a female House Sparrow. Its tail is relatively dark brown, long and squared. The bill is short and thick, cone shaped, an obvious seed-eating bill. They eat seeds from plants, as well as buds, leaves and fruits. They can feed and drink while hovering!
This little songbird is very adaptable in terms of where it will live; including finding a home in deserts, grasslands, orchards, open woods, towns, cities and rural properties such as ranches. It will make its compact little woven nest in a bush, tree, natural cavity or building. They form breeding pairs and lay 6 to 8 eggs (lavender with black spots).
Fun Facts:
- The male House Finch colouring can range from deep red to golden yellow, depending on what its diet was during moulting!
- When it flies it makes several fast wingbeats then has a brief period when it pulls its wings pulled in against its sides.
- This bird’s song is a warbling one, with notes ending with “zeee”.
- One can find House Finches hanging out with a group of House Sparrows, alone or in pairs.
- A group of House Finches are called a “development” of finches.
- If you want to attract these little birds to your backyard feeder, try tempting them with nyger or millet seed and shelled sunflower seeds.
If you find an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please contact the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403-214-1312 for tips, instructions and advice, or look at the website at www.calgarywildlife.org for more information.
