House Finch

Don't get the house finch mixed up with the purple finch! It's an easy thing to do. Learn how to attract a house finch to your yard, and listen to its song.

Photo: Roland Jordahl

• Scientific Name: Carpodacus mexicanus.
• Family: Finch.
• Length: 6 inches.
• Wingspan: 9-1/2 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: Males have reddish foreheads, breasts and rumps. Females and juveniles are streaked grayish brown. All have brown-streaked bellies.
• Nest:Low in shrubs, door wreaths or hanging flowerpots; lays four to five spotted bluish-white eggs.
• Song: A varied warble, often ending in a long "veeerrr."
• Habitat: Any wooded area or backyard.
• Diet: Seeds of berries and weeds.
• Backyard Favorites: Nyjer, sunflower, mixed birdseed, peanuts, fruit, suet and sugar water.