Females are streaked and brown, with plain faces. Purple finch females have striped faces. Nests are shallow cups made of twigs, grasses, hair, string, cigarette butts, or wool, built in bird houses, hanging plants, branches, climbing vines, holes in trees, and under eaves. The northeastern population was introduced on Long Island, N.Y. in the early 1940's. The birds now cover nearly all of northeastern North America.
Eggs are white, with black or brown spots.
Native to the western United States and Mexico. House finches were formerly sold as pets because of their pretty color and pleasant song. Those in captivity were released when it became illegal to hold any native migratory bird captive. After their introduction to Long Island, house finches have increased dramatically in abundance and range in the Northeast. They are now one of the most abundant birds within their range and are common in all areas with human dwellings.