Here is a minor correction: The House Finch IS native to the western states. For many ages they were unable to cross the Great Plains until the cagebird industry gave them a lift across the whole country to New York in 1940. From New York they spread all over the eastern and then the central parts of the US. By the 1990s they were over almost the entire country.
Male house finches develop their bright red plumage during molting periods when their intake of carotenoids is high. Outside of molting, the red color can fade (orange) if carotenoids get depleted. Interestingly, not all males reach mature plumage in their first year, so there can be considerable color variation from yellow to orange to very bright red. Any time the diet is lacking certain nutrients, the plumage can fade to orange or even very pale yellow. Seeds high in carotenoids are pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, particularly the black oil sunflower.
Ładny ptak 👏 pozdrawiam 🙏
Excellent video- now I know how to distinguish a finch from a sparrow.
A canary is also in the finch family.
Everyday the house finches visit my feeder!💕🐦
Here is a minor correction: The House Finch IS native to the western states. For many ages they were unable to cross the Great Plains until the cagebird industry gave them a lift across the whole country to New York in 1940. From New York they spread all over the eastern and then the central parts of the US. By the 1990s they were over almost the entire country.
Beautiful bird, lovely capture!
Thank you!
When do the red feathers on the males appear? After first molt?
Male house finches develop their bright red plumage during molting periods when their intake of carotenoids is high. Outside of molting, the red color can fade (orange) if carotenoids get depleted. Interestingly, not all males reach mature plumage in their first year, so there can be considerable color variation from yellow to orange to very bright red. Any time the diet is lacking certain nutrients, the plumage can fade to orange or even very pale yellow.
Seeds high in carotenoids are pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, particularly the black oil sunflower.