House Finches frequently inhabit residential areas across North America. These adaptable birds, originally from the western United States, have expanded their range to become familiar backyard visitors in the East. They often choose diverse nesting locations, constructing cup-shaped nests in trees, dense shrubs, ivy-covered buildings, and even hanging planters. Their nesting habits showcase dedicated parental care from egg-laying through the development of their young.
The Nesting Timeline
After the eggs hatch, House Finch nestlings remain in the nest for about 12 to 19 days. While some sources indicate a range of 12 to 15 days, others suggest it can extend up to 17 or even 19 days, depending on various environmental factors and the individual nestlings’ development.
Life Inside the Nest
Inside the nest, nestlings undergo rapid transformation. At hatching, they are altricial, meaning they are born nearly naked with sparse white down and closed eyes. Their skin often appears pinkish or yellowish, with a distinct yellow gape and red mouth lining. Within a few days, around day three, juvenile plumage begins to emerge, and their eyes start to open.
As they grow, the nestlings quickly develop movement within the nest, and by day five, they deposit fecal sacs over the nest’s edge. Feathers continue to develop rapidly, with ensheathed feathers appearing on their backs and breasts, and by day six, these feathers begin to emerge from their sheaths. Around day eight or nine, the nestlings become more vocal, begging for food when parents approach. By day twelve, they appear mostly feathered, and around days thirteen to fourteen, they can flutter and hop, though their wings and tails are not yet fully grown. Both parent finches feed the growing nestlings with regurgitated seeds.
Leaving the Nest and Beyond
When House Finch nestlings are ready to fledge, they leave the nest naturally, without being forced out by their parents. This departure typically occurs within the 12 to 19-day window after hatching. Upon leaving the nest, young finches are not yet proficient flyers, and their wing and tail feathers are still developing. Consequently, they may spend several days on the ground or in nearby dense vegetation as they practice their flight.
During this vulnerable post-fledging period, the young birds do not return to the nest. Instead, their parents continue to provide care and nourishment, feeding them in their new, temporary locations. This parental support often lasts for an additional two to three weeks after fledging. The male finch frequently takes on the primary role of feeding the fledglings, allowing the female to potentially begin another brood. This extended care is important for the fledglings to learn foraging skills.