What a thrill to find this unusual orange House Finch at the feeder the other day! Typically, males display red plumage on their head and breast. Male House Finches acquire their colors from the foods they eat; and while red is most common, orange and yellow can occur. I’ve read that orange males produce more chicks than the red or yellow males, because they nest earlier in the season when food is most abundant and because they’re more likely than the red or yellow males to help feed the young. Hooray for unusual orange!
I thought about straightening this image, but I like the way the feeder tilts under the weight of the female Purple Finch and female American Goldfinch. I like viewing this image best on the black background.
I've got to watch more carefully - the feeder is certainly staying busier this week - have put the 3rd finch feeder out. Love all the variety they bring in the winter like you're showing here. Neat capture of that unusual finch.
Oh dear, don't let the girls know they're tipping the bird feeder under their weight! Good catch. I've never heard that about Purple Finches. Very interesting! Now I'll be on the look out for orange ones!
