A reddish-orange house finch perched on a hanging green ceramic bird feeder filled with seeds, against a softly blurred background of bare tree branches.

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

October 16, 2026
Canon EOS 6D 400 mm f/6.3 1/400 sec ISO 500


The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small, familiar songbird found throughout Southern California. Males are easily recognized by their reddish-orange coloring on the head, throat, and chest, although the intensity of the color varies depending on their diet. They feed primarily on seeds, grains, buds, and fruits and are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders. Their cheerful, warbling songs and willingness to live near people make them one of the more recognizable backyard birds.