Fauna Flora Photography

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.

Specs

Length12-15cm
Weight20-30g
Wingspan20-25cm

Common Names

GermanHausgimpel
EnglishHouse Finch
FrenchRoselin familier
SpanishCamachuelo mexicano

Taxonomy

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyFringillidae
SpeciesHaemorhous mexicanus

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.

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2019-01-01
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2019-01-01
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2017-11-26
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2016-03-04
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-02-22
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2014-03-02

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.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal - - - x
Parc Angrignon x - - -
Parc Michel-Chartrand - - - x
Parc de la Frayère x - - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.


Last updated on 2024-03-14. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.