House finches are small songbirds native to the western United States that have become widely established across North America. As their name suggests, they are very fond of living near human habitation and will happily visit backyard bird feeders. But what exactly do house finches like to eat? As we’ll explore in this article, house finches have a varied diet consisting of seeds, fruits, insects and more. Understanding their dietary preferences can help bird lovers better attract these colorful visitors.
The Basics: Seeds
At bird feeders, house finches primarily eat small, oil-rich seeds. Their favorite seeds include:
- Niger thistle
- Nyjer
- Sunflower chips
- Safflower
- Millet
- Cracked corn
House finches use their strong, cone-shaped beaks to crack open these small hard seeds. The birds prefer seeds with high fat and oil content, which provide them with quick energy.
In the wild, house finches seek out annual grasses and weeds to feed on tiny native seeds. They also eat the seeds of trees like elm, maple, and birch.
Nyjer/Niger Thistle
Nyjer seed, also called thistle seed, is the number one seed to offer to attract house finches. The tiny, black thistle seeds contain high levels of oil and fat. House finches can cling to Nyjer feeders and use their beaks to extract the tiny seeds. This African import has become a backyard bird feeding staple, beloved by house finches across North America.
Sunflower Chips
Sunflower chips are another top food choice. These small chunks of sunflower seeds contain high fat and protein levels appealing to house finches. Black oil sunflower seeds are a their particular favorite. Offer sunflower chips in tube feeders which allow the birds to easily access the fragments while clinging to the feeder ports.
Safflower
Safflower is another small, oil-rich seed that house finches favor. Safflower seeds have hard shells that encapsulate the nutty-flavored seeds inside. House finches will flock to feeders stocked with safflower. The bitter taste deters squirrels and larger birds, making safflower a great “finch-only” offering.
Millet
Millet is a tiny round seed with a starchy center that is loved by house finches. Proso and white millet varieties are preferred. Scatter millet on platform feeders or mix it into seed mixes. Millet has a fast seed turnover rate, so you may need to refill feeders more frequently if offering it.
Fruit
In addition to seeds, house finches enjoy eating fruits and berries. In the wild, house finches forage in bushes, eating the fruits and berries found there. At backyard feeders, they are attracted to raisins, currants, apples, cherries, strawberries, blueberries and more.
Raisins
Raisins are a favorite fruit treat of house finches. Offer raisins at platform feeders, mixed into fruit mixes, or skewered onto branches. Raisins provide quick energy and variety to the birds. Soaked raisins have an added appeal, as they become juicy and plump.
Apples
House finches are drawn to apple slices at feeders. Apples can be skewered on branches or placed in platform feeders. Choose sweeter apple varieties, as house finches prefer soft, ripe fruits. Crabapples are a great option, if available.
Cherries
Whole cherries with pits still inside are readily eaten by house finches. Use overripe cherries that have fallen from trees whenever possible. House finches will gobble up these natural sweet treats.
Berries
In the wild, house finches get most of their fruit intake from berries. At backyard feeders, offer berry varieties like currants, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. House finches favor softer, juicier berries. Place berries in small platform feeders for easy accessibility.
Insects and Other Protein
While seeds and fruits make up the bulk of their diet, house finches also opportunistically eat insects and other protein sources. This includes:
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
- Beetles
- Ants
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
- Worms
- Snails
House finches hunt for insects while hopping along the ground or gleaning along branches. They eat insects most frequently during the summer breeding season when they require extra protein.
At backyard feeders, consider offering live mealworms in small dish feeders. House finches relish these juicy treats. Dried mealworms can also be mixed into seed mixes or suet.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars provide house finches with protein and fat. The birds pluck hairy caterpillars like gypsy moth caterpillars from leaves. Caterpillars help ensure healthy chicks when breeding.
Aphids
Tiny, soft-bodied aphids are sucked up by foraging house finches. Aphids congregate on the undersides of leaves and along stems where house finches search them out.
Beetles
Iridescent beetles are crunchy protein snacks for house finches. They eat varieties like ladybugs, June bugs and Japanese beetles.
Mealworms
At bird feeders, consider offering live mealworms in small dishes or trays. House finches will grab the wriggling worms and gobble them up. Dried mealworms can also be mixed into seed blends or suet cakes.
Suet
Suet is a high-fat bird feeding supplement made from rendered beef fat. It is typically mixed with seeds, nuts, dried fruits and more to provide a calorie-rich food source loved by house finches. Offer suet in cage feeders or suet baskets. Some suet and seed mixes favored by house finches include:
- No-melt suet blended with peanuts, corn, sunflower chips and dried cherries
- Insect suet mixed with dried mealworms, cranberry, cherries, sunflower kernels
- Fruit and nut suet with raisins, berries, almonds, sunflower chips
Suet provides concentrated calories to help house finches maintain body heat and energy levels during cold winter months.
No-Melt Suet
No-melt suet has a waxy base that prevents it from melting in warmer temperatures. This allows it to be offered year-round. House finches favor no-melt suet blended with their favorite seeds and fruits, like sunflower chips, peanuts, corn, and dried fruit.
Insect Suet
For an added protein kick, choose insect suet cakes blended with mealworms. House finches relish high-fat suet loaded with dried mealworms, sunflower kernels, fruit bits, and other tasty ingredients.
Fruit and Nut Suet
House finches are drawn to suet blended with soft fruit bits like raisins, cranberries, and cherries. The addition of nut pieces like almonds, peanuts, and walnut fragments adds crunch and fat.
Nectar
While not their primary food source, house finches will also drink nectar from bird feeders. They favor nectar with higher sugar concentrations, unlike hummingbirds which prefer more diluted nectar. A 10-20% sugar solution will attract house finches.
Oriole Nectar
Oriole feeders dispense nectar suited for house finch tastes. Oriole nectar has a higher sugar concentration than hummingbird nectar, making it attractive to house finches.
Jelly Feeders
Brightly colored sugar-water jelly in small cup feeders is favored by house finches. The jelly has extra sweetness and thickness they crave.
Fruit Nectar
For added appeal, try mixing fruit juice like orange, apple or grape juice into the nectar. House finches are drawn to the fruity aroma and sweet flavors.
Water
A reliable, clean water source is also important for house finches. They need to bathe and drink regularly. Choose a birdbath style and location they can access safely without heavy competition. Add a water dripper, fountain or mister to attract them.
Birdbaths
A wide, shallow birdbath allows house finches to wade and bathe easily. Place the birdbath in a quiet spot away from predators. Keep it filled, clean debris, and change the water regularly.
Misters
Misters provide drinking and bathing water while also cooling birds on hot days. House finches appreciate the light misting of water in dry climates.
Fountains
Trickling fountains offer fresh drinking water. The moving water deters mosquito breeding. Look for small fountains with calm flows suitable for house finches.
Feeder & Waterer Placement
Proper placement of feeders and waterers is key to attracting house finches. Here are some tips:
- Situate feeders and water in open areas with good visibility
- Avoid placing too close to dense bushes where cats may hide
- Hang branch feeders near trees/shrubs for quick escape
- Use feeder poles to raise feeders up for safety
- Separate competing bird species with multiple feeders
- Place water near cover for protection yet still accessible
- Locate feeders/waterers in areas sheltered from severe weather
With good placement, you can create an attractive, safe feeding station for house finches.
Backyard Habitat Enhancements
In addition to proper feeders and water, consider enhancing your backyard habitat to better attract house finches with these tips:
- Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide seeds/berries
- Leave brush piles as shelter
- Allow dead standing trees or snags which provide nesting cavities
- Avoid pesticides which reduce insect food sources
- Install nest boxes suited for house finch use
- Provide open ground areas for foraging
- Cultivate native plants that attract insect prey
Improving the habitat will encourage house finches to take up residence and raise young.
Native Plants
Landscape with native plants that produce seeds, berries, and nectar. Good choices include coneflowers, oak trees, native grasses, elderberry, serviceberry, and more. This provides natural food sources.
Brush Piles
Leaving piles of brush and twigs provides cover from predators and weather. House finches use brush piles for shelter.
Nest Boxes
Place nest boxes specifically designed for house finches. Ensure the hole is 1 1/8 inches wide. Add a layer of nesting material. Place boxes 5-10 feet high on trees, posts or buildings.
Common Feeders for House Finches
Here are some common feeder styles to attract house finches:
Feeder | Description |
---|---|
Hopper feeder | Enclosed feeder dispensing seeds through bottom ports; protects seed from weather |
Tube feeder | Cylindrical clear plastic or mesh tube holding seeds accessible through small ports; easy to monitor seed level |
Platform feeder | Open tray style feeder allowing easy access from all sides; excellent for fruit, berries and loose seed mixes |
Suet feeder | Specialized feeder with tail props, cages, or small openings for accessing suet cakes or plugs |
Nectar feeder | Container with nectar ports for accessing sugar-water or fruit juice mixes |
Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders have large seed capacity and protect the seeds from getting wet. House finches can perch on the edges or tray below to feed on seeds dispensed through openings at the base.
Tube Feeders
Long, clear tube feeders allow house finches to cling while feeding on small seeds. Tube feeders have perching areas and small seed ports. They are good for small seeds like Nyjer and sunflower chips.
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders provide open access from all sides and above. They allow house finches to eat a variety of foods like loose seeds, fruit, and suet chunks. Some have added trays below to catch fallen debris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, house finches have diverse dietary preferences but favor oily seeds like Nyjer and sunflower chips overall. They also eat fruits, berries, insects, suet, and nectar. Catering to their favorite foods will attract more house finches to your backyard feeders. Make sure to provide clean water sources as well. Also, enhance your habitat by planting native vegetation that supplies food naturally. With good offerings at feeders and improved habitat, house finches will become loyal visitors all year round. Their colorful, cheery presence will bring joy as you watch them happily eat at your backyard feeding station.