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Nature Documentaries

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a vibrant songbird native to North America, recognized for its striking rose-coloured plumage. Originally confined to Mexico and the Southern United States, it has expanded its range to Northern US and Canada following the release of captured birds in the early 20th century.

Parc Mont-Royal - 2019-01-01
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2019-01-01
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f/11 • 1/5000 • ISO 5000
Focal Length: 420mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2019-01-01
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2019-01-01
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f/11 • 1/3200 • ISO 4000
Focal Length: 420mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2017-11-26
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2017-11-26
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3
Settings: f6.3 • 1/640 • ISO 220
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2016-03-04
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2016-03-04
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1000 • ISO 720
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-02-22
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2015-02-22
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1600 • ISO 400
Focal Length: 140mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2014-03-02
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2014-03-02
Camera: Canon PowerShot
Lens: 4.3-215mm
Settings: f6.5 • 1/160 • ISO 100
Focal Length: 215mm

Common Names

🇨🇦House Finch
🇫🇷Roselin familier, Roselin du Mexique
🇩🇪Hausgimpel
🇲🇽Camachuelo mexicano, Pinzón mexicano, Carpodaco doméstico

Taxonomy

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyFringillidae

Characteristics

Length12.5-15cm
Weight16-27g
Wingspan20-25cm
Clutch Size2-6 eggs
Incubation13-14 days
Fledging12-15 days
Sexual Maturity1 year

Explore More

📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.

Identification and Whereabouts

The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) closely resembles the less common Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus). To distinguish them, observe the male's back: the House Finch has a brown back, unlike the rose-coloured back of the Purple Finch. Notably, the male House Finch displays rose colouring only on its head and breast.

During the winter, House Finches are frequently observed on my walks through Park Mont-Royal. They typically gather in small flocks, consisting of both males and females, around various feeding stations. Although they are purported to be resident birds, I have not observed this species from spring to autumn.

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal - - - x
Parc Angrignon x - - -
Parc Michel-Chartrand - - x x
Parc de la Frayère x - - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.