House Finch
Carpodacus mexicanus
This House Finch pair was photographed and is copyrighted by Robert Shantz in Clifton, Arizona. The female is on the left, and the male on the right.
House Finches are common birds in a wide variety of habitats in Arizona and across North America. They inhabit the Sonoran Desert particularly along washes and on mountain slopes where they feed on a variety of seeds including those of creosote bush (pers. observation). They are also abundant in cities where they frequent bird feeders. Recently their numbers were drastically reduced, the result of infectious disease transmitted at feeders and bird baths. Nature lovers should make sure baths are kept clean and should avoid concentrated feeding locations, especially during warm weather where feces and infectious organisms can accumulate and spread.