The House finch is the most widespread of Oregon's "red finches." It is a congenial, cheerful singer from urban areas to desert plateaus.

The male has a red forehead, throat, eyebrow, rump and varying amounts of red in the breast. It may have small amounts of reddish wash in its otherwise brownish cheek, hindcrown, nape,and streaked back. In some males, red is replaced with red-orange, orange, yellow-orange or yellow. The female is drab grayish-brown, overall, with indistinct streaking above and no red.

The House finch is a fairly common resident in lowlands, urban, rural, and agricultural areas throughout Oregon. They are distinctly gregarious, especially in winter when flocks can be over 50 birds.

Hear the song of the House finch

Photo by Dave Budeau, ODFW