Finch (Cassin’s, House, Purple)

female House FinchHouse finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) _ Length 6″, wingspan 9.5″

What they eat: Seeds, fruits, berries

Habitat: Urban birds seen around structures, farms, gardens

Where they nest: Deciduous and coniferous trees, on buildings

My observations: House finches are a common sight around gardens and at feeding stations. All finches have short, strong bills, adept at removing the shells from the seeds they’re eating. The females (top photo) are brown with a streaked breast while the males (bottom photo) have orange-red heads and breasts. House finches have quite pleasing songs that add to the mix of birdsong in our garden. They are here year-round.

Male house finchBack to My Backyard Birds