While I visited my friend Steve Creek in Arkansas, he had a House Finch with an odd color variation coming to his feeders, which I photographed from his deck.
House Finch adult with plumage color variation – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A casual glance at the bird made it seem like a dull male House Finch. The thing is, it was the height of the breeding season for these finches, and this finch acted like a female, but females typically would not show this much color.
On at least two occasions, this finch would flutter its wings, squat, and lift its tail when a brightly colored male came to the feeder.
Adult House Finch with odd coloration – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’ve pondered the color variation and female-type behaviors this House Finch exhibited while I observed it and really haven’t come to a clear conclusion about the odd coloration.
Older female Mallards can develop more male-type plumage; I am beginning to wonder if female House Finches can do the same as they age.
I’m really not sure about the gender of this House Finch. I just know it was an interesting bird to observe and photograph!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my House Finch photos plus facts and information about this species.
Interesting coloring. These shots are magnificent. The detail you captured in the finch and the branch he was standing on…is simply amazing. Thanks Mia.
Very interesting – and a tad frustrating that it will probably remain a mystery.
I have seen female with slight tints of red and yellow. I have assumed they were female because of there behavior. I could be wrong and it was a wonky male.