Haemorhous mexicanus
Feeders, towns, and open woods across most of the Lower 48 and southern Canada. Tiny track at a feeder.
What does a house finch look like?
Male is red on the face and chest with a streaked belly. No crest, unlike a cardinal.
What do house finch tracks look like?
Too small to separate from other finches. The bird at the feeder is the identification.
- Tiny track at a feeder
- Male has a red head and breast, brown streaks on the belly
- Female is brown and streaked, no crest
- Notched tail
- Whitewash under a feeder
What does house finch poop look like?
Small droppings under a feeder. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Feeders, towns, and open woods across most of the Lower 48 and southern Canada. Typical places: yard. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not approach a nest
- If a bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitator
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Northern cardinal identification
- House sparrow identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
How do you tell a house finch from a cardinal?
A house finch is smaller, has no crest, and the red is limited to the head and breast.
How to tell a house finch from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Northern cardinal. A small songbird print. Crest, thick orange bill.
- House sparrow. A very small hopping print. Chunky brown sparrow.
House finch field marks
- Tiny track at a feeder
- Male has a red head and breast, brown streaks on the belly
- Female is brown and streaked, no crest
- Notched tail
Where the sign shows up
Feeders, towns, and open woods across most of the Lower 48 and southern Canada. Typical places: yard. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
Too small to separate from other finches. The bird at the feeder is the identification. Small droppings under a feeder.
Common questions
How do you tell a house finch from a cardinal?
A house finch is smaller, has no crest, and the red is limited to the head and breast.