Saturday, December 12, 2015

House Finch

During the colder months, House Finches arrive from points north and replace the niche occupied by the very similar Purple Finches, who live here in the warmer months, and who travel even further south for the winter. 


House Finches travel in flocks and choose higher locations in trees or on communication and utility wires to perch.

Males have reddish colouration due to the berries they eat. Females are attracted to the males with the most colour. Presumably these males eat more berries, which implies an enhanced nutritional state, and the better nutrition confers a genetic advantage.  

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