house finch
(Carpodacus mexicanus)
This species is Native and Introduced across its range in the United States
Origin
Carpodacus mexicanus is native to the western United States and Mexico. Introduced to the eastern United States as intentional releases by pet dealers to avoid prosecution for illegally selling wild birds.
Life Cycle
House finches are approximately the same size as house sparrows (invasive). Males are brown in plumage coloration except for a distinct bright red breast, forehead, rump, and stripe over the eyes. Female plumage is duller with plain brown and white coloration, streaked underparts, and no eye stripe. In the eastern United States, C. mexicanus are commonly found near human-created habitats and structures. C. mexicanus is almost exclusively an herbivore, eating a variety of seeds, buds, and fruit. Outside of nesting season house finches are known to form large flocks that can number in the hundreds. During the breeding season, nest sites are found in a variety of trees, rock ledges, cactus, and human structures such as buildings, vents, ledges, street lamps, and plant hangers. House finches will use abandoned nests of other species. Females lay 2-6 eggs per clutch with 1-6 broods a nesting season. The incubation period is 13-14 days with another 12-19 days for the nestling period.
Distribution
C. mexicanus is common throughout North America. Human development and structures are generally beneficial.
Control Efforts
C. mexicanus is detrimental to agricultural crops such as berries, grains, vegetable and flower seeds, and all deciduous fruits. Exclusion methods can be installed to protect crops and ripening fruit with plastic netting placed around plants.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/lifehistory#nesting
Carpodacus mexicanus is native to the western United States and Mexico. Introduced to the eastern United States as intentional releases by pet dealers to avoid prosecution for illegally selling wild birds.
Life Cycle
House finches are approximately the same size as house sparrows (invasive). Males are brown in plumage coloration except for a distinct bright red breast, forehead, rump, and stripe over the eyes. Female plumage is duller with plain brown and white coloration, streaked underparts, and no eye stripe. In the eastern United States, C. mexicanus are commonly found near human-created habitats and structures. C. mexicanus is almost exclusively an herbivore, eating a variety of seeds, buds, and fruit. Outside of nesting season house finches are known to form large flocks that can number in the hundreds. During the breeding season, nest sites are found in a variety of trees, rock ledges, cactus, and human structures such as buildings, vents, ledges, street lamps, and plant hangers. House finches will use abandoned nests of other species. Females lay 2-6 eggs per clutch with 1-6 broods a nesting season. The incubation period is 13-14 days with another 12-19 days for the nestling period.
Distribution
C. mexicanus is common throughout North America. Human development and structures are generally beneficial.
Control Efforts
C. mexicanus is detrimental to agricultural crops such as berries, grains, vegetable and flower seeds, and all deciduous fruits. Exclusion methods can be installed to protect crops and ripening fruit with plastic netting placed around plants.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/lifehistory#nesting
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Aves |
| Order: Passeriformes |
| Family: Fringillidae |
| Genus: Carpodacus |
| Carpodacus mexicanus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.