National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Presidio of San FranciscoSan Francisco National Cemetery
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Presidio of San Francisco
House Finch
(Carpodacus mexicanus)
 
House Finches
Will Elder, NPS
Female and male House Finches at Presidio Hills, near the Public Health Service Hospital.
 

Natural History: The House Finch forages for seeds and other plant parts in areas with nearby escape perches. It roosts and nests in protected areas. This is a monogamous species that nests beginning in March.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in annual grassland areas, coastal and dune scrub, all forested areas, and all developed areas. It breeds in the Presidio.

Frequency: This species is abundant all year.

Identifying Characteristics: The males of the House Finch are brownish in color with a red breast, forehead, stripe over its eye, and lower back. The females are brown with streaks and have a shortish beak.

Presidio Birds main page

Jerry Garica was a founding member of the Grateful Dead.  

Did You Know?
A young Jerry Garcia was stationed at the Presidio during his brief service in the U.S. Army. Over the course of his nine-month career, Garcia went AWOL eight times and received two court-martials.

Last Updated: March 14, 2008 at 18:16 EST