House Finch and Roses

The house finch was originally found only in the southwestern United States. In the 1940's it was introduced to the east where its range is now spreading. Like all finches, it has a strong, stout, cone-shaped bill with a sharp cutting edge - ideal for crushing seeds, which are its principal food. Partly through the grace of home bird feeders, the house finch, like the cardinal, has moved into urban areas, where its high-pitched warbling has become a common melody in city parks and gardens.