Up until 1940, House Finches were strictly western birds. But
trappers illegally shipped many to New York City for sale as
cagebirds. Threatened with prosecution there, some pet dealers
released their birds, which soon began to thrive in Long Island.
Since then House Finches have spread from New York throughout
the East and the Midwest. They are now among the most common of
all garden birds throughout the continent. Their bright red
chests and sociable behavior make them a feeder favorite! They
gather together at most feeding stations enjoying your food and
each others' company. ||Resident throughout West, from southern
Canada to southern Mexico, and east to Nebraska. Introduced and
now widespread in eastern North America. ||House Finches are
non-migrators to partial migrators. They tend to remain on or
near their breeding areas over winter, though extensive
wandering for food may also occur. Yard feeders have aided or
enabled their year-round survival. ||House finches are early
nesters, beginning in March in