There are a few small birds that are known for having spiky looking head feathers that resemble hair. The most likely bird being referred to with “spiky hair” would be the common house finch.
What does a house finch look like?
The house finch is a small songbird, usually 4-6 inches long. The males have brightly colored red plumage on their heads, breasts, and rumps. Their feathers on top of their heads are often spiked up, giving the look of spiky “hair.” Females and juveniles have more muted brown-streaked plumage. Both males and females have short conical beaks suited for eating seeds.
Where are house finches found?
House finches are native to the western United States and Mexico. However, they have spread to become common across North America after being introduced to the eastern U.S. in the 1940s. They are now found year-round across most of the continental U.S., southern Canada, and Mexico.
House finches live in a variety of open habitats including urban parks and backyards. They often forage on the ground or in low vegetation. They are very adaptable and thrive near human development.
What is interesting about house finch feathers?
The bright red feathers on the heads and breasts of male house finches are unique and eye-catching. The color comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet, mainly from eating seeds. Females prefer the reddest males, so the bright coloring may have evolved as a signal of male quality and health.
The spiky head feathers are another distinctive feature. The feathers sticking up on top of their heads are short, blunt, and stiff. They can be raised or slicked down at will. When interacting with other finches, the male will often raise his head feathers to signal dominance.
What do house finches eat?
House finches are primarily seed eaters. Their diet consists of various small seeds from grasses, weeds, trees, and shrubs. Their short conical beak allows them to crack open and consume a variety of small hard seeds.
They also supplement their diet with fruit, buds, and occasionally insects. They are opportunistic foragers and will take advantage of backyard bird feeders stocked with seed mixes.
Common Foods Include:
- Grass seeds
- Weed seeds like dandelions
- Seeds from trees like elm, alder, and birch
- Garden seeds from lettuce, sunflowers, etc.
- Berries
- Fruit like apples and citrus
- Flower buds and nectar
- Insects like aphids, beetles, caterpillars
What is the house finch’s song and call like?
Male house finches have a complex, warbled song they use to defend their territory and attract mates. Their song is a mix of long musical phrases and shorter chips and notes. It is often described as cheerful sounding.
Both males and females give a variety of call notes used to communicate alarm, stay in contact with their flock, or signal food sources. Common calls include a wheezy “zhee” contact call and a “pit” or “plink” alarm call.
Are house finches intelligent birds?
House finches are considered intelligent and adaptable birds. Some key signs of their intelligence include:
- They have readily adapted to live alongside humans across North America by taking advantage of bird feeders and nesting sites.
- They communicate effectively with complex vocalizations to defend territories, attract mates, and stay in contact with flocks.
- They exhibit problem-solving skills and innovation by sometimes using unique tools to build their nests.
- They have excellent memories and can remember hundreds of different feeding locations.
- They show observational learning by copying novel feeding behaviors from other finches.
Research has shown house finches can recognize and distinguish between a wide variety of symbols, patterns, and objects. Their learning, problem-solving, and memory abilities are on par with some primates.
How can I attract house finches?
Here are some tips to successfully attract house finches to your yard:
- Provide bird feeders – They prefer tube-style feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds.
- Offer a fresh water source like a birdbath or fountain.
- Include native plants and fruit-bearing shrubs that provide seeds and fruits.
- Avoid pesticides which reduce their insect food sources.
- Provide nesting sites like evergreen trees and dense bushes.
- Protect feeders from cats with placement and barriers.
With abundant food and nesting sites, house finches may visit your yard year-round. Their bright colors and cheerful song will add lively personality to your outdoor space.
Conclusion
The house finch is a lively and intelligent small bird recognizable by its red plumage and spiked head feathers. Native to the western U.S., they have adapted readily to living alongside humans across North America. With a diet heavy on small seeds, they are common visitors to backyard bird feeders. Their complex vocalizations and behaviors reflect a high degree of intelligence. They provide a splash of color and personality that makes them a favorite backyard bird for many people.