They choose a wide variety of nesting sites, and will nest in man-made objects such as window ledges and holes in buildings. House Finches are monogamous, and pairs tend to form while the birds are in their winter flocks. The variation in color is related to diet. Many but not all males reach mature plumage in their first year. There is considerable color variation among males, from pale yellow, to orange with bright red, this being the most common. Like most finches, they have notched tails. House Finches have longer tails and appear more slender overall, and also have slightly curved bills, in contrast to the straight bills found in the other two species. They lack clear white stripes on their heads. The breast streaks do not converge in a central spot as on many sparrows. Female House Finches have blurrier streaks and grayer undersides than the other two species. This helps to differentiate it from the other two. The House Finch, the most common and widespread of the three, typically has a red head, breast, and rump, but does not have red coloring on its brown back or wings. All three species are streaked, and the males of all three have red plumage. Pairs may raise three or more broods each season.The House Finch is closely related to the Cassin's Finch and the Purple Finch, and in fact, there are places in Washington where all three species can be found. The young leave the nest after 12 to 15 days and may be fed by the male for about two more weeks, while the female starts a second clutch. The female then joins the male in bringing food to the young. The female broods the young for the first few days after they hatch, and the male continues to bring food. The female incubates 4 to 5 eggs for 13 to 14 days while the male brings her food. The female builds most of the nest, which is an open cup of grass, weeds, twigs, leaves, and rootlets, lined with feathers and other fine material. The first requirement is a solid base with some overhanging material. Nests may also be located in conifer trees, hanging planters, and old nests of other birds. Ivy growing on buildings or trees creates many nesting sites. The House Finch is closely related to the Cassin's Finch and the Purple Finch, and in fact, there are places in Washington where all three species can be found.
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