Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Male House Finch by Val Lee

I shot this lovely male Rose/House Finch in my silver spruce tree here in Meridian, Idaho. We have received quite a bit of snow; the perfect setting for celebrating the LORD’S humble revelation of Himself— being born in all lowly circumstance to communicate His unparalleled love for everyone.

female left and male right—House Finches by Val Lee

I get countless Red-breasted Finches at my feeders. They love sunflower seeds with which I spoil them. They also enjoy other seed varieties, but appear partial to sunflower and thistle seed. The short convex bill of the House Finch is so formed to partake of a diet of seeds and fruits.

Mature House Finch males have yellow to bright red coloring on chest and head. Females are plain-Janes. God, in His infinite wisdom, designed them plain to be masked in camouflage when nesting for their own protection. We know the LORD never falls short of adequately equipping His creation. God graciously created many male species of birds to be brightly painted for our enjoyment and to attract females. Studies reveal brightly colored Rose Finch males survive the winter better. Only God knows why. Perhaps bright coloring reveals a healthier bird like healthy pink cheeks on a person.

Now Rose Finch males really go overboard to be romantic when courting. However, instead of roses, he will touch the female’s bill to reveal interest. Yes, very sweet. Females are particular in their liking of courting males. They don’t care for just a brown tan, they want bright feathers. They like color. Maybe that is why a male House Finch tries harder. He may even present the gal who catches his eye with choice bits of food. Not only that, if she imitates the posture of a hungry chick, he will place bits of delectable food in her mouth. Wow indeed! Apparently, the female will take advantage and squeeze her suitor for all she can obtain in the way of luxury items. Once courted and obtained, the female will construct a nest which is placed in a a variety of locations ranging from tree cavities to vines; even in cup shaped decorations. They will also attach their homes to sides of buildings. My House Finches like to place nests within my orange trumpet vine overhead the feeders—how convenient.

My video of a female House Finch:

House Finch nest by Val Lee

Females will lay two to six eggs that are glossy, of a pale bluish green, with a touch of black spotting. The female solely incubates the eggs. The fledglings hatch in about two weeks. Both parents care for the young and more than one brood may be produced in a breeding season. Banding studies reveal Rose Finches may live up to 10 years in the wild.

Proverbs 30:24-31 incites us to examine God’s creatures great and small to learn from the wisdom He has placed within them. They are not just nice to look at, they teach wisdom. One thing we recognize is they are happy just being what God made them, not trying to be another creature of greater rank. Last night I encouraged a friend with Down syndrome implementing this Biblical wisdom as some view her as totally inferior. Such an attitude is spitefully wrong. Acting superior and prideful does not please Jesus Christ. In my book, Cliques in the Church—see Amazon.com, I stress the sin of feeling superior and how it injures others. We must walk the talk of love and humility no matter our station in life. This is one lesson Christ desired to teach when He arrived on our little globe within a very humble environment.

*Some info gathered from Wikipedia

See more at Val’s Looking Glass.