Phoebe
& Robin Platform
by Duncraft
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Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus: Carpodacus
Species: mexicanus
La. passer sparrow, small bird
La. forma form, kind, species
La. fringilla a small bird
Gr. karpos fruit;
Gr. dektes a biter
Gr. dakos a biter
Gr. dakno to bite
Aztec Mexitili god of war
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| Five to six inches long. Bright red
forehead, throat and upper breast. Brown back and wings, long brown tail. Dull white
underside streaked with brown. Short broad beak. Often mistaken for the Purple Finch,
however not quite as richly colored. Native in the West, originally with a broad range
of habitats from forest edges, smaller wood stands, and deserts. Now inhabits mostly
towns and cities. Introduced in the East (New York), and has since spread back
westward throughout the U.S. and southern Canada. Hawaii too. One of the most
populous birds in inner cities throughout the continent.
Builds nests of fine twigs, grasses and feathers in a wide variety
of trees, vine thickets, gardens, porches and bird houses. Sometimes acquires the nest of
an Oriole or Cliff Swallow
Lays two to six white eggs which hatch after about two weeks incubation and young leave
the nest in about another two weeks. They may raise several broods in a season.
A favorite back yard bird, some California fruit growers being an exception.
The House Finch Nestbox has a 6" by 6" floor,
6" inside ceiling, 2" diameter entrance hole located 4 1/2" above the floor
and ventilation openings. Assembled with corrosion resistant screws fit to
pre-drilled countersunk pilot holes. Hinged roof is secured with shutter hooks for easy
access.
Mount on a post in the middle of a yard just out of reach. Beware, with a 2"
entrance hole, a mob of House Sparrows will also be attracted to this house.
House Finches will also nest on
Platforms.
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| House Finches are bubbly
singers mixing in chatter and other indescribable sounds. They are accustomed to people.
Flocks, usually families of finches, often dominate feeders in large enough numbers
to chase away House Sparrows. Although they sometimes tolerate each other.
Parent House Finches bring their young to back
yard feeders shortly after fledging where they must shell the seeds for them for the first
couple of days. It's hard to tell the difference between the parents and their young
untill you see who's begging and who's feeding. |
House Finches
Feeding on Sunflowers |
| Sunflowers seeds are an inexpensive
favorite and will also limit House Sparrows who would prefer mixed seeds given a choice. To
attract House Finches, also plant liquidambar (sweetgum) and birch trees, marigolds,
zinneas and sunflowers. Also see
Feeding Birds Resources |
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