Finches are small passerine birds in the family Fringillidae. There are many different species of finches found throughout the world, but some of the most common ones include the American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, and Zebra Finch. Finches build nests each breeding season to raise their young. An interesting question many bird enthusiasts ponder is – do finches return to the same nest year after year or do they build a new nest each time? Let’s explore some quick facts about finches and their nesting habits:
- Finches are socially monogamous and mate for life. A pair will often return to the same breeding area year after year.
- Most finches have multiple broods in a single breeding season. They can raise 2-6 broods depending on species and conditions.
- Finches build nests out of plant fibers, feathers, moss and other soft materials. The female does most of the building while the male guards.
- Their nests are typically found in trees, shrubs, or other sheltered sites like bird houses.
- Many species reuse and repair their old nests from previous years.
- Some finches desert their nests after raising young and do not use them again.
So in summary, many finches are site faithful and will reuse old nesting spots and nests in future years. However, some species will abandon nests and not return to the exact same nest again. Read on for more details.
Do Finches Reuse Nests?
Many species of finches are known to reuse old nests, especially if the nesting attempt was successful the previous year. Here are some examples:
- House Finches – House finches exhibit high nest site fidelity. Studies show house finches reuse the same nest approximately 35% of the time. The male will often construct a rough nest as early as January or February to claim the site.
- Purple Finches – Purple finches are also known to reuse nests from previous years. The female handles most of the nest construction. The nests are bulky and made of twigs, bark, plant fibers, moss, lichens and feathers.
- Cassin’s Finches – This western finch is closely related to the house finch. Males and females both help build the nest and will often repair and reuse old nests if they successfully raised young there before.
- American Goldfinches – Goldfinches often nest very late in the summer and have a more haphazard approach to nest construction. They may reuse parts of old nests in a new site or repair nests used earlier in the season for a second brood.
So in many finch species, reusing the previous year’s nest offers clear advantages. The nest is already constructed so they save time and energy, and they return to a site that was successful for breeding. However, some circumstances may still prompt them to build a completely new nest each season.
When Do Finches Build New Nests?
While reuse of old nests is common in finches, they don’t return to the same nest 100% of the time. Here are some reasons finches may build a brand new nest each breeding season:
- The old nest was damaged or destroyed over the winter.
- A predator discovered the nest site making reuse unsafe.
- The previous year’s nesting attempt was unsuccessful.
- Parasites have infested the old nest.
- Altered tree growth creates a new attractive nesting site.
- They switch nesting territories due to competition.
- Weather damaged the nesting tree or landscape.
Species like zebra finches in their native Australia build a new nest for each clutch. Even when provided reusable nest boxes in captivity, they still prefer to build a fresh nest each time.
Some finches may also build a new nest while reusing the old nesting site. House finches are known to construct dummy nests early in the season and may have multiple back-up nests in a single tree or area.
Adaptations for Nest Reuse
Over time, some finches have evolved adaptations and behaviors that aid in nest reuse:
- Durable nest materials – They select twigs, tough plant fibers, feathers, moss etc. that persist from year to year.
- Prominent nest sites – Old nests in open crotches of branches are easier to locate and reuse.
- Nest repair – Some finches will patch up the old nest each spring to make it functional again.
- Long breeding seasons – Extending the nesting period ensures time to reuse existing nests.
- Year-round site fidelity – Remaining in the same area makes reuse more likely.
These traits help optimize reuse while still allowing flexibility to build new as needed.
Do Male and Female Finches Share in Nest Building?
In most finch species, the female takes the lead in nest construction while the male helps procure and deliver nesting material. However, the exact division of labor can vary:
- House finches – The male does most initial nest building. The female builds later stages.
- Purple finches – Female builds nest with occasional help from male.
- American goldfinches – Female handles all nest construction.
- Zebra finches – Both sexes equally share building the nest.
This pattern correlates with differences in mating systems between finch species. In polygynous species, males invest more energy in multiple nests to attract additional mates. In monogamous species, the pair shares work more equally.
The shared ability to construct nests is important even if one sex takes the lead. It allows the pair to work cooperatively, building a quality nest together.
What Are Some Common Finch Nesting Locations?
Finches are versatile at adapting to different nest sites both in the wild and around human habitation. Here are some of the most common places finch nests are built:
- Tree branches – Small forks and crotches in deciduous trees, conifers, etc.
- Bushes and shrubs – Dense cover keeps nests sheltered and hidden.
- Building eaves – House finches frequently nest under roof overhangs.
- Plant pots – Favorite spot for house finches on porches.
- Bird houses – Nest boxes should have a 1-1.5 inch hole for finches.
- Tree cavities – Chickadees excavate holes reused by purple finches.
- Nests of other species – May take over abandoned nests of robins, swallows etc.
Access to suitable nesting spots is a key habitat requirement. Finches need protected sites with adequate support to hold their nests. Places that offer cover and reduce predation risk are preferred.
How Does Nest Height Vary Among Finch Species?
Different finches build their nests at varying heights above ground:
Finch Species | Typical Nest Height |
---|---|
House finch | 3 to 12 feet |
Purple finch | 10 to 40 feet |
Cassin’s finch | 6 to 40 feet |
American goldfinch | 4 to 10 feet |
Zebra finch | 3 to 8 feet |
Height is influenced by factors like body size, nesting tree availability, and risk of predation. Larger finch species tend to nest higher up while smaller ones stay lower to the ground.
Goldfinches often nest in thick shrubs and small saplings for camouflage while purple finches may nest towards treetops for added safety. Understanding differences in nest height can help identify active finch nests during breeding season.
What Are Some Common Predators of Finch Nests?
Finch nests often fall prey to a wide variety of predators. Some common animals that raid finch nests for eggs or chicks include:
- Snakes – Rat snakes and other climbing snakes can access nests in shrubs and trees.
- Squirrels – Tree squirrels will eat both eggs and nestlings.
- Chipmunks – Opportunistic predators that climb trees.
- Cats – An invasive predator that is attracted to activity around nests.
- Crows – Very intelligent birds that can adapt to foil deterrents.
- Jays – Blue jays in particular are adept nest robbers.
- Other Bird Species – Jays, grackles, magpies, and other birds sometimes raid nests.
Finches have evolved various defensive strategies for protecting their nests from harm. This includes behaviors like alarm calling, nest guarding, mobbing predators, and concealing nest sites. But even with these efforts, many nests fail each year due to predation.
How Does Climate Impact Finch Nesting Success?
Weather and climatic conditions can have a significant influence on the outcome of finch nesting attempts. Some examples include:
- Extreme heat – Can overheat eggs and nestlings or cause adult finches to spend less time brooding.
- Early cold snaps – Exposure to freezing temps too soon can kill nestlings.
- Heavy rain – Can flood or damage nests and drown altricial young.
- Drought – Reduces food and nesting materials for finches.
- High winds – Can knock nests out of trees before young can fly.
- Severe storms – Hail, lightning, tornados etc. destroy nests and habitat.
Nest failures directly traceable to weather average around 10-15% but may fluctuate widely. Climate change will likely exacerbate some effects like heat, flooding, drought, and storms – increasing challenges for nesting finches.
Do Finches Reuse Their Own Nests or Those of Other Species?
Finches employ both strategies opportunistically:
- Many finches reuse their old nests from previous years, especially if the prior attempt was successful.
- Some finches build a completely new nest each breeding season.
- Finches may also reuse an abandoned nest built by another species. Examples include old nests of robins, swallows, even hawks and crows.
- Reusing another species’ nest saves time and energy compared to building new.
- They often still repair and add to the adopted nest to adjust shape and size.
Being flexible and taking advantage of already constructed nests, regardless of the source, helps ensure finches can breed under varied circumstances. This is especially useful for late or second nesting attempts.
Do Nest Boxes Help Finches?
Installing nest boxes is an excellent way to assist finches and observe their fascinating nesting behaviors up close:
- Provides desired nest sites where natural cavities are limited.
- Protects finches from competition with more aggressive species.
- Offers insulation and shelter from weather and predators.
- Allows easy monitoring without disturbing natural habitat.
- Fun hobby that connects people to nature.
Here are some tips for successful finch nest boxes:
- Use a 1-1.5 inch entrance hole appropriate for finches.
- Place boxes 5-15 feet high on trees, posts, or buildings.
- Install boxes in February or March before breeding season.
- Add drainage holes and ventilation gaps.
- Clean boxes out after nesting season ends.
- Avoid treating boxes with stains or paint.
- Monitor boxes discreetly to avoid scaring residents away.
With some simple DIY nest boxes, it’s easy to observe the finch nesting cycle directly outside your door.
Conclusion
Finches exhibit a mix of behaviors related to nest reuse. Many species show strong fidelity to previous nest sites and repair old nests each year. However, various factors can still cause them to build completely new nests for a breeding attempt. Flexibility and opportunism allow finches to adapt to changing environments and maximize their nesting success from season to season. Careful observations of banded finches have provided much insight into their intricate nesting habits. Providing nest boxes is a great way to supplement natural nesting spots and learn more about these fascinating birds right in your own backyard.