House Finch

(Carpodacus mexicanus)

 

Female and male House Finches at Presidio Hills, near the Public Health Service Hospital.

Will Elder, NPS

 

Natural History: The House Finch forages for seeds and other plant parts in areas with nearby escape perches. It roosts and nests in protected areas. This is a monogamous species that nests beginning in March.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in annual grassland areas, coastal and dune scrub, all forested areas, and all developed areas. It breeds in the Presidio.

Frequency: This species is abundant all year.

Identifying Characteristics: The males of the House Finch are brownish in color with a red breast, forehead, stripe over its eye, and lower back. The females are brown with streaks and have a shortish beak.

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