House finches are small songbirds native to the western United States that have become widely distributed across North America over the past century. As their name suggests, they often build nests on or near houses, leading many people to wonder if they will use birdhouses intended for other backyard birds. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at house finch nesting behavior to answer the question: do house finches use birdhouses?
House Finch Natural History
To understand house finch nesting habits, we first need to cover some background on their natural history. Here are some quick facts about these common backyard birds:
– House finches measure 5-6 inches in length and have chunky, conical beaks adapted for eating seeds. Plumage is brown-streaked in females and rosy-red in males.
– Native to the western U.S., house finches were introduced to the eastern U.S. in the 1940s and have since expanded their range across the continent.
– House finches are highly social and form large flocks outside of breeding season. Pairs break away to nest and raise young.
– They are opportunistic feeders and consume a wide variety of seeds, fruits, and insects. This varied diet helps them thrive in human-altered environments.
– House finches begin breeding in late winter. They can raise up to 3 broods per year across their extended breeding season.
House Finch Nesting Preferences
House finches exhibit the following nesting preferences and requirements:
– Nest Location: House finches nest in a wide variety of manmade and natural sites, including birdhouses, hanging baskets, nooks on buildings, cavities in trees, and thick vegetation. They are not limited to a specific type of location.
– Nest Height: preferred nesting height is 10-30 feet off the ground. House finches will use sites both lower and higher than this range, but ideal height is moderate.
– Nest Structure: made of twigs, blades of grass, stems, and lined with soft material like feathers, hair, or plant down. Nest diameter is typically 4-6 inches.
– Nest Box Size: will use a range of cavity sizes but prefer a diameter around 6 inches, with an entrance hole 1-1.5 inches across. Depth of at least 6 inches is ideal.
– Nest Spacing: House finch pairs usually nest in loose colonies with nests spaced 15-75 feet apart. They are tolerant of having other pairs nearby.
Given these preferences, house finches will readily use birdhouses that provide suitable cavity space and protection from predators and weather. The key factors are hole size and box depth; less important is the overall size. House finches will cram into smaller spaces.
Examples of House Finches Using Birdhouses
There are many documented examples of house finches nesting in birdhouses intended for other species:
– Bluebird boxes: The 1.5 inch entrance hole and 5×5 inch floor plan of bluebird nest boxes are perfectly suited for house finches. They often readily occupy these nest sites. Competition with bluebirds for these boxes does occur in overlapped ranges.
– Swallow nests: House finches may build nests atop old swallow mud nests in nest boxes or natural sites. The pre-existing structure provides a foundation.
– Woodpecker boxes: Larger boxes for woodpeckers like flickers can accommodate house finch nests in upper corners while the original nest is undisturbed.
– Wren houses: The small cavity and entrance of wren houses is frequented by house finches. Wrens and finches may compete for these sites.
– Owl boxes: While owls would actively discourage nesting, house finches may use unoccupied large owl boxes. The deep cavity with small entrance mimics natural tree holes.
– Duck boxes: House finches have been observed nesting in the highest sections of wood duck boxes above waterlines. The finches take advantage of pre-constructed sites even if not the intended species.
So while designed with other birds in mind, a wide range of birdhouse designs are readily used by house finches. They are not deterred by the presence of another species, either outside the box or in some shared arrangement.
Birdhouse Features Preferred by House Finches
Based on the above examples, we can summarize the key features that seem to attract house finches to birdhouses:
– Entrance hole diameter 1-1.5 inches: This matches the preferred size opening mentioned earlier. Songbirds favor a snug fit.
– Cavity depth over 6 inches: Gives room for an adequate nest structure with a cup-like shape.
– Moderate height 10-15 feet: Within their preferred range and safe from ground predators.
– Small floor dimension: 4 inches square minimum but can be much smaller.
– Interior perches: Finches appreciate the ability to perch inside before entering the nest.
– Open base: Allows fallen nest material to drop free. Closed bases may deter use.
– Minimal decoration: Plain boxes are used. Painted or decorated houses are not avoided.
– Covered roof: Protection from rain, sun, and weather helps mimic natural cavities.
So while finches will use a variety of birdhouse types, following these structural guidelines maximizes the appeal of a nest box specifically for house finches seeking an ideal cavity.
Birdhouse Types to Avoid
There are some birdhouse designs unsuitable or less favorable for house finches:
– Enclosed silo or kettle style: Difficult to build full nest inside and lack perch space.
– Platform nest shelves: Prefer enclosed cavities with roof overhang.
– Sparrow houses: Entrance holes and interiors tend to be too large. Allows bigger birds to compete.
– Slot boxes: Horizontal slot, crevice-style entrance deters use. Prefer classic hole entrance.
– Dovecotes: Not deep enough cavity space for complete nest structure.
While house finches are adaptable and may occasionally use these, they do not provide the ideal cavity specifications to regularly attract nesting. Traditional enclosed bird boxes with hole entries remain the best style to use.
nesting competition between species
Given their willingness to use a variety of birdhouses, house finches will encounter competition with other cavity nesting species:
Species | Nest Site Competition |
---|---|
Chickadees | Moderate – Similar cavity requirements |
Titmouse | Minimal – Larger interior space preferred |
Bluebirds | Frequent – Both attracted to bluebird boxes |
Tree swallows | Frequent if near water – Both use duck boxes |
Woodpeckers | Minimal – Different nesting habits |
Wrens | Moderate – Both drawn to wren houses |
Starlings | Minimal – Starlings enlarge holes for entry |
This competition is most direct with other songbirds like bluebirds and wrens that favor the same style entrance holes and cavity depth. The broader habitat preferences of house finches gives them an advantage over species with narrower requirements. House finches may displace competitors in some regions, while otherwise coexisting depending on local habitat conditions. Providing an abundance of properly designed nest boxes helps minimize competition.
Attracting House Finches to Birdhouses
If your goal is to specifically attract house finches to nest in your birdhouses, consider these tips:
– Use boxes with 1-1.5 inch entry holes. This excludes larger species from using the box.
– Ensure at least a 6 inch cavity depth and 4 inch floor. Finches want room for nest building.
– Place boxes 10-15 feet high on buildings, poles, or trees. Choose sheltered sites.
– Clean out old nests at end of season to prepare for next year.
– Provide wire mesh or guards to deter predators. Cats are a common threat.
– Use plain, simple box designs. Avoid elaborate decorative houses.
– Provide small perches inside below hole entrance.
– monitoring house finch behavior and competition with other cavity nesters in your specific area. Note which box designs they prefer over others.
– Consider erecting finch colony boxes with multiple (4-6) compartments. Finches nest socially.
With some trial and error, you can learn the best birdhouse features and placement to attract house finches in your yard. Observe nests to see firsthand how they construct their nests in different cavities over the seasons. Enjoy their colorful, active behavior around your birdhouses.
Conclusion
In summary, house finches are adept at utilizing birdhouses intended for other species. Their natural history predisposes them to nest in cavities of all kinds. While they have preferences for hole size, depth, height, and other box specifications, they are not limited to narrow criteria. House finches will use a wide variety of birdhouse types as long as the cavity provides sufficient space, shelter, and safety. With suitable birdhouses, you are likely to attract house finches nesting readily in your backyard. Observe and experiment to find the best birdhouse features and locations to draw in these common and colourful songbirds.