A
female house finch is seen scouting out the 1100 block of North Kentucky Avenue on a Wednesday morning, possibly weighing the pros and cons of potential residency. She may be considering factors such as bird predators in the area and the temperament of human neighbors.

    House finches were once exclusive to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States but gained widespread distribution after an escape from a Long Island pet store in 1939. By spring 1940, wild nests began appearing throughout New York State, and today they can be found across the U.S., including Hawaii.

    Interestingly, house finches develop regional "dialects" through their songs, according to researchers. As desert birds, they require significant water intake, which they obtain by consuming cacti fruit and buds. The vibrant red or yellow plumage of males is a result of their diet, specifically carotenoids found in carrots and tomatoes. Females tend to favor mates with larger, more vibrant patches as an indicator of good nutrition.

    A birdbath can be an effective way to attract house finches to a garden, drawing them in with its water source.