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House Finch Male For Bird Photography Weekly

House Finch Male photo by Larry Jordan

I wanted to post this photo I just took the other day of the House Finch since everyone counting birds this week for the Great Backyard Bird Count (see last post) should be seeing these delightful little guys around.  The male House Finch’s coloring has been described to look as if a glass of red wine was thrown in his face and the wine ran down his breast, whereas the Purple Finch looks like a sparrow dipped in Raspberry juice.  The specific color of the male House Finch is determined by pigments in the food he eats.

House Finches come readily to sunflower seed feeders and I expect to count many during this weeks Great Backyard Bird Count.

Now go see all the other great shots at Bird Photography Weekly.

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • WisconsinBirder February 9, 2009, 9:39 am

    I’ll be counting this weekend-hope to have some housefinches on my list. I didn’t know their coloring was influenced by their diet. Thanks for the info.

  • Kallen305 February 9, 2009, 12:39 pm

    Wonderful photo. He looks so regal perched on the branch as he looks over the horizon.

    I really like the red wine analogy. A great way to describe his coloring.

    Kallen305s last blog post..Bad Case of Analysis Paralysis with my Camera

  • Larry February 9, 2009, 7:42 pm

    @Tammy not only is their coloring influenced by their diet, apparently the female House Finches consider the more brightly colored birds more attractive. I guess it makes sense that a well fed mate would be a better provider.

    @Kallen he does look regal doesn’t he? A fellow birder (who reads more than I) gave me that red wine analogy quoting either Pete Dunn or Kenn Kaufman if memory serves. I have always remembered the difference that way. It’s amazing what sticks in your head about bird identification

  • Red February 9, 2009, 8:15 pm

    I had no idea either about the food/coloring thing. I’m off to google to see what foods make them more colorful.

    Gorgeous House Finch you shot. I’m getting ready for the GBBC and saw 12 at once – all HF – in the small tree outside my bathroom window this morning. Yesterday there were less of them, but 6-7 other species in the tree.

    Reds last blog post..Bird Photography Weekly #24

  • Larry February 9, 2009, 10:51 pm

    @Red thanks for the comment! I’m glad to see you got some good Oak Titmouse photos too

  • MaineBirder February 10, 2009, 4:10 am

    I love the angle of this shot, makes him look regal.

    Great photo!

    MaineBirders last blog post..Bird Photography Weekly – Tufted Titmouse

  • Thomas February 11, 2009, 4:20 am

    Nice image Larry. The other day I saw a Rosefinch but couldn’t get a decent shot. Still waiting

    Thomass last blog post..Asiatic Elephants in a playful mood – Dedicated to Maya

  • Larry February 11, 2009, 6:21 am

    @John thanks for the visit and comment. I love these little cheerful guys and your Tufted Titmouse back there has the same temperament I’m sure

    @Thomas with your photographic prowess, you will get one soon enough… Love the elephants!

  • Art Predator February 12, 2009, 12:04 am

    thanks for letting me use this wonderful shot of a male house on my blog!

    Art Predators last blog post..Lucent L’Amour, Mardi Gras & Yogathon: Show Some Love for More February Fun:

  • Larry February 13, 2009, 6:28 am

    @Gwendolyn you are very welcome