house finch

noun

1. a small common finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, originally of the western U.S. and Mexico and now widely distributed: the males have a red forehead, throat, breast, and rump.

Word History and Origins

Origin of house finch¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Salmonellosis most often affects goldfinches, evening grosbeaks and house finches.

From Washington Post

My first meeting with the blithesome house-finch of the West occurred in the city of Denver, in 1899.

From Project Gutenberg

The house finch has made many enemies because of its fondness for cultivated fruits and berries.

From Project Gutenberg

My first meeting with the blithesome house-finch of the west occurred in the city of Denver, Colo.

From Project Gutenberg

Henderson defends the term ‘House Finch,’ and condemns the two synonyms by which the bird is often known.

From Project Gutenberg

This last nest I thought must belong to a House Finch, but investigation showed warbler ownership.

From Project Gutenberg