House finch
Haemorhous mexicanus
32.6733, -117.242
Field Notes
Description:
Medium-sized finch with brown-streaked back and wings, and brown-streaked white underparts. Head, throat, and rump are typically pink-red; yellow to orange variants may occur. Tail is relatively long and weakly notched. Female is brown-streaked overall. Bill is short and slightly decurved. Feeds mostly on seeds, takes some insects and fruits. Swift bounding flight.
Habitat:
Cabrillo National Monument
The park offers a superb view of San Diegos harbor and skyline. At the highest point of the park stands the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been a San Diego icon since 1854. A statue and museum in the Visitor Center commemorate Juan Rodrguez Cabrillo's exploration of the coast of California. In a former army building an exhibit tells the story of the coast artillery on Point Loma.
In the winter, migrating gray whales can be seen off the coast.
The two-mile Bayside Trail affords spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the city beyond, and takes you through one of the last remaining remnants of coastal sage scrub habitat in the world.
The rocky intertidal area is one of the best protected examples of these unique ecosystems in Southern California.
Notes:
The coloring of the male House Finch can range from deep red to golden yellow, depending on available diet during molting.
Originally they were brought from the Southwest to Long Island as caged birds. In 1940, a small population was released into the wild and flourished. They have since spread throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment