If You Build It, They Might Come

Tips for enticing House Finches to nest

House Finches will take advantage of any number of objects left out on houses, porches, barns, or garages to nest in. They will build nests in evergreen wreaths, hanging plants, small baskets, and on house decorations and light fixtures. Because they prefer to have cover above and behind the nest, it helps to put up possible nesting sites, such as hanging plants, under a roof or eaves.

You can also create an easy-to-clean nest site by building a nesting platform made of thin wood, such as plywood. Cut a 4 3/4-inch by 4-inch piece for the bottom. Then cut three side pieces that are each 4 1/2 inches long and 2 3/4 inches high. Nail the sides to the bottom piece, then attach the platform under an overhang. Cut off the top portion of a cardboard carton (such as quart-sized juice or milk carton) so that the bottom portion fits on the platform, then secure it with duct tape. This makes it easy to clean out the platform after the nest becomes inactive.

House Finches may also nest in your yard in ornamental plantings and cacti. Carefully search vine-covered walls or trellises. The winding, interwoven branches are an ideal nest support or camouflage, creating protective nooks that House Finches use readily. The branches of deciduous and coniferous trees?especially pine, spruce and cedar?also make great homes for the finches. If finches are coming regularly to your feeding station, you might be able to observe parent birds going to their nest. However, the finches may be difficult to track if they are traveling long distances.

If a House Finch nest eludes you despite your efforts, consider talking to your neighbors. They might let you know if they find a nest near their home or allow you to search their property. You can also look for House Finch nests near local shops and businesses, especially around walkways with overhangs and landscaped areas with small, dense evergreens.

For a complete instruction manual, visit www.birds.cornell.edu/hofisignup/nestsignup.html or contact the House Finch Disease Survey, housefinch@cornell.edu or (607) 254-2469.

—Sarah Goodwin and Melanie Driscoll, House Finch Nest Survey

For permission to reprint all or part of this article, please contact Laura Erickson, editor, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14850. Phone: (607) 254-1114. email: lle24@cornell.edu