Mutant house finch observed
Posted on July 15th, 2008 by Craig Newmark
I've recently been observing a house finch with an orange-y crest, as opposed to the usual carmine.
Threat or menace?
Photo courtesy of crushi
Posted on July 15th, 2008 by Craig Newmark
I've recently been observing a house finch with an orange-y crest, as opposed to the usual carmine.
Threat or menace?
Photo courtesy of crushi
Yeah, coloration of male house finches is really variable. According to one source I was reading, the difference is primarily one of diet: certain finches eat different things, leading to them getting that odd yellowish version of the traditional brick red on the head, throat, and rump.
The percentage of yellowish finches is fairly low, but if you keep your eyes peeled you'll see them from time to time.