House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus ) are year-round visitors here at Leaning Oaks, although, to our knowledge, we have not had this species nest on the property. Perhaps our place is too wooded for this species. They are most often seen at the feeder, where they are rather aggressive competitors against other birds. Most males are a raspberry pink colour, but occasionally we have a male that has a yellow pigment in place of the red. House Finches are rather recent immigrants to Vancouver Island, first appearing here in the 1930's. Since then they have spread up the east side of the island and then spottily over much of the rest of the island. They are often confused with Purple Finches, but House Finches have a shorter, rounder bill and heavily streaked sides.
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AuthorsTwo biologists on a beautiful property armed with cameras, smart phones and a marginal knowledge of websites took up the challenge of documenting one species a day on that property. Join along! Posts and photographs by Leah Ramsay and David Fraser (unless otherwise stated); started January 1, 2014. Categories
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