House Finch in December
Where house finches are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the House Finch's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the House Finch specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 53 states and provinces where house finches occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where house finches are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, house finches are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
House finches are not nesting in December. The season runs April–August at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, house finches put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Seeds and dried fruit
- Sunflower and nyjer at feeders
House finches are prone to Mycoplasma conjunctivitis (swollen, crusty eyes), which spreads at feeders. Clean feeders every two weeks and take them down for a week if you see sick birds.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full House Finch diet guide → · Best feeder for house finches →
Watching house finches this month
House finches are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region house finches are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
House Finch month by month
House Finch by state
Frequently asked
Where are house finches in December?
In December, house finches are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do house finches nest in December?
No — house finches typically nest April through August at mid-latitudes.
What do house finches eat in December?
Seeds and dried fruit; Sunflower and nyjer at feeders.
Sources
- House Finch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- House Finch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- House Finch — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.