Adult males vary in color from orange yellow to bright red. The color is derived from carotenoid pigments that are obtained from their diet of seeds, flowers, and fruits and added to the feathers during normal periods of feather replacement. Studies have shown that brightly colored males are more successful at attracting mates than duller males. Brightly colored males also survive the winter better. The short convex bill of the House Finch is adapted to a diet of seeds and fruits.
Some males show a yellowish to red color.
May count in 1980. The first breeding record in Indiana occurred in 1981. Since then, population counts on the May, Christmas and Summer bird counts have increased dramatically. The breast is heavily streaked and in the males, also colored yellowish to bright red. The tail is dark brown.