Life List 021
Visually documented
House Finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
- First photographed
- January 15, 2026
- First location
- Colorado, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
House Finch portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Haemorhous mexicanus
Overview
The House Finch is a sociable, adaptable finch native to western North America and now familiar across much of the continent. Its varied, warbling song and comfort around people make it a frequent presence in neighborhoods and at feeders.
Identification
Adult males usually show red to orange on the forehead, throat, and upper breast over a brown-streaked body. Females and immature birds are gray-brown with strong blurry streaking below and a plain face without the bold eyebrow of a female Purple Finch.
Range
Native from western Canada through the western United States and Mexico, the species was introduced in the East and has spread across most of the contiguous United States. Introduced populations also occur in Hawaii.
Habitat
Open dry country, desert edges, farms, towns, parks, gardens, and other places with scattered trees or structures for nesting.
Diet
Mostly seeds, buds, berries, and other fruit, supplemented by small invertebrates; readily visits feeders for sunflower and other seeds.
Photography by Brittany Templin
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