Male House Finches typically show a deep-red head and breast. So common is this that many websites only illustrate the male with a plumage of a strong red colour. Yet, it seems that it is merely diet (possibly genetics) that can change the colour from red to orange, or even yellow.
Non-red colours are not good—or at least not good when viewed from the point of view of the female House Finch. Females are typically attracted to the males with the deepest pigment of red to their head, much more so than to the occasional orange or yellowish-headed males.
Yet for the past few days, I have been visited by an orange-headed male House Finch. And more to the point, he has been accompanied by his inamorata. She does not seem to be bothered by the issue of red or orange—apparently, true love knows no colour bar.
A female House Finch visits.
She is hanging out with a distinctly yellow-orange headed (not red-headed) male House Finch.
That’s quite the look that House Finch is giving the camera in the second pic. I like it!
Beautiful close-ups of these finches. Reminds me of the yellow house finch I photographed years ago when I lived in Port Townsend, WA. I don’t think I’ve seen one since.