The house finch is a small songbird native to the western United States that has been introduced to the eastern United States. It is also known by several other common names, including the linnet finch, Hollywood finch, and red finch. Knowing the various names for this bird can help birdwatchers identify and learn about it.
Quick Answer
Some of the other common names for the house finch besides just “house finch” are:
- Linnet finch
- Hollywood finch
- Red finch
The house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small passerine bird that is a member of the finch family Fringillidae. It measures approximately 5-6 inches in length and weighs around 0.6 ounces. The male house finch has a reddish head, breast, and rump, with brown streaks on the belly and flanks. The female is similarly marked but with duller plumage overall. The species is native to the western United States but was introduced to the eastern part of the country in the 1940s. Since then it has spread successfully across eastern North America.
Description
Some key physical features and characteristics of the house finch include:
- Size: 5-6 inches long with a wingspan of 8-9 inches
- Weight: Around 0.6 ounces
- Coloration:
- Males have reddish head, breast, and rump with brown streaks on belly and flanks
- Females have duller brown plumage overall with streaked underparts
- Conical shaped bill adapted for eating seeds
- Notched tail
- Musical warbling song
- Gregarious behavior
Behavior
Some interesting facts about the behavior of the house finch include:
- Gregarious – often found in large flocks of 20+ birds
- Almost entirely permanent residents – do not migrate long distances
- Primarily feed on seeds and fruit
- Male sings warbling song from high perches to defend territory and attract mates
- Nest in a variety of sites including building ledges, bird houses, and tree branches
- May have 2-6 broods per mating season from March to August
- Male feeds the incubating female as she sits on the eggs
- Young fledge the nest at 14-18 days old
Origin of the Name “House Finch”
The house finch gets its common name from its association with human habitation. Some key points about the origin of its name include:
- Originally only found in the western United States, living in arid areas.
- As human settlements expanded into their native range, they began nesting on building ledges and feeding in orchards and gardens.
- Thus became adapted to living alongside humans and their structures.
- When specimens were first collected by early ornithologists like Alexander Wilson, they noted this bird’s affinity for nesting on houses.
- The name “house finch” refers to this tendency to associate with human households.
Other Common Names
In addition to house finch, this bird is known by several other colloquial names including:
Linnet Finch
Shares physical similarities with the Eurasian linnet, a type of finch found in Europe and Asia. Like the linnet, the male house finch has a bright red head and breast. Linnet finch refers to their resemblance.
Hollywood Finch
Refers to a population descended from caged pet birds released in Hollywood, California in 1940. These birds formed a successful breeding population that later expanded its range.
Red Finch
Refers to the male’s bright red head and rump. A descriptive reference to one of its most distinguishing features.
Range and Habitat
Understanding the house finch’s range and preferred habitat can also shed light on its name and adaptations.
Native Range
The house finch is native to:
- Western United States
- Western Canada down to Mexico
- Original native range did not include east of the Great Plains
Introduced Eastern Range
House finches were introduced to the eastern US in 1940 in New York City. From there they spread to:
- Throughout the eastern United States
- As far as southern Canada
- Expanding eastward to cover most of North America
Preferred Habitat
House finches occupy a variety of open and semi-open habitats including:
- Urban and suburban areas
- Orchards
- Farmland
- Desert scrubland
- Open woodlands
They commonly associate with human habitation and buildings.
Adaptations
Physical and behavioral adaptations of the house finch include:
- Conical bill – Allows them to crack seeds and eat a variety of foods
- Highly social – Enables them to thrive around human activity
- Warbling song – Males sing to define territories and attract mates near houses
- Opportunistic nesters – Will nest in a variety of man-made and natural sites
Taxonomy
The house finch belongs to the following taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Fringillidae
- Genus: Haemorhous
- Species: H. mexicanus
Some close finch relatives include:
- Purple finch
- Cassin’s finch
- American goldfinch
Population and Conservation Status
The house finch has a large population estimated at over 268 million individuals across North America. Their conservation status is listed as:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
The species expanded its range rapidly when it was introduced to the eastern US and persists in large numbers across urban, suburban, and natural habitats.
Population Trends
Year | Population Estimate |
---|---|
1966 | 62 million |
2014 | 268 million |
As this table shows, the house finch population grew substantially from the 1960s to the 2000s after being introduced to new areas of North America.
Significance to Humans
The house finch has some significance to humans in positive and negative ways:
Positive
- Beautiful song and bright plumage appreciated by birdwatchers
- Visits feeders frequently, allowing easy birding opportunities
- Helps control insect pests that damage gardens and crops
Negative
- Can damage some crops like fruit trees or berry bushes
- Droppings can be a nuisance around homes and cars
- Host of a bacterial disease that has affected other finch species
Unique Aspects
Some unique aspects of the house finch include:
- One of few bird species whose range expanded due to human activity
- Rapid adaptation to urban and suburban areas across North America
- Dramatic population growth after introduction, rather than declining like many invasive species
- Male and female plumage differ markedly (sexual dimorphism)
Conclusion
In summary, the house finch is a successful songbird native to the western US that has also thrived after being introduced to the eastern part of the continent. Some of its common names like “house finch” and “Hollywood finch” reference its affinity for human settlements. The male’s colorful red plumage also gives rise to descriptive names like “red finch.” Understanding the naming conventions, origins, ecology, and behavior of the house finch provides helpful insight into this adaptable species.