House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
A rose coloured member of songbirds, found in North America. Originally only found in Mexico and Southern United states, the release of catched animals in the early 20th century introduced the species in Northern US and Canada.
- 🇫🇷 Roselin familier, Roselin du Mexique
- 🇩🇪 Hausgimpel
- 🇲🇽 Camachuelo mexicano, Pinzón mexicano, Carpodaco doméstico
Characteristics
- Length: 12-15cm
- Weight: 20-30g
- Wingspan: 20-25cm
How to Identify
This species looks very similar to the less frequent Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus). I look at the back of the male bird. The House Finch male’s back is brown and not rose. Overall, the male House Finch only head and breast are rose.
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Where and When to Spot
In the winter, they are frequent and I spot them on almost every walk through the Park Mont-Royal, usually grouped in small flocks with several males and females, around the different feeding stations. I haven’t seen this species from Spring to Autumn, though, even if claimed to be resident.
Observations by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | - | - | x |
| Parc Angrignon | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | - | - | x | x |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | - | - | - |
"-" indicates no observation. It may not necessarily mean though that the species is absent from the park during that season.