House Finch, Carpodacus mexicanus
Nesting habitats of
the House Finch
As it is named, the House finch likes to nest under the eaves of buildings. However it also will nest in trees, shrubs, and on the ground. They like nesting sites under partial cover.
Diet of the House Finch
The House Finch is a seed eater (check out its shnoz). The House Finch prefers grasses and forbs. Some of these forbs include Turkey mullein, Eremocarpus setigerus, Tar weed, Hemizonia spp, miners lettuce, and Sedge, Carex spp..
Sometimes
a couple of house finches go off the wagon and pretend they are fruit
eaters sampling every peach, plum or nectarine on your tree. Madding
when they ruin an entire tree of fruit and eat none. Blue Jays and most
of the other birds will work one fruit until its eaten(do not pick it
as they will ruin another), but these morons ruin the entire crop.
All beak, no brains. Remove the nest from the tree, after
three
or four times they usually will move somewhere else, hopefully to that
neighbor you don't like.
How to attract the
House Finch to your garden
Some good plants to plant in your garden for a source of seeds and nuts
are Elderberry,
Sambucus mexicana, Buckwheat,
Eriogonum spp. and Pine, Pinus
spp.
It also eats a lot of weed seeds, taking advantage of the evasion of
European species. Aphids and caterpillars are also occasionally taken.
They like to have a perch to escape to when feeding. They're fine if
you have an all native yard, but they should not be allowed
to
nest under the eave as it is a fire problem in Santa Anas.The House Finch can be distinguished from the Purple Finch by the amount and distribution of red feathers. The House Finch has a deep red breast and head. The Purple Finch is more pink and the color is mixed with brown, red can also be seen near the base of the tail and on the back.
Range of the House
Finch
The House Finch is found throughout California except in the highest elevations.
Habitat/ Plant community of the House Finch
Migration of the House Finch
Most populations do not migrate. Populations on the east side of the sierras only stay in winter months.
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