Name: House finch
Species: Carpodacus mexicanus
Popular and common variants / subspecies / other names: Chaffinch, bullfinch, grosbeak
Geographic distribution: Most finch species are located in the southern hemisphere. The house finch is found in the eastern and western United States and south through Mexico.
Environment: Depending on the species, finches can be found in woodland, mountains, or even deserts.
Physical description: Finches are generally small birds with strong, stubby beaks. The house finch measures approximately 5 inches long, with a wingspan of about 8 inches and a weight of .75 ounce. The bird’s plumage is mostly brown and it has a rosy chest and head.
Interesting facts: Finches have a bouncy flight consisting of alternating sequences of wing flaps and gliding. They are gregarious, and build hanging basket–like nests.
Myths, folklore, and cultural associations: Finches are often kept as pets for their pretty plumage and chirpy calls, and therefore they can symbolize domesticity, beauty, and mastery over nature. Finches, like other small birds such as sparrows, often represented souls or spirits in Christian iconography.
Colorado’s state bird is sometimes called the prairie lark-finch, which is actually the lark bunting.
Omens and divinatory meaning: If you see a finch, examine your level of activity. Have you been trying to juggle so much that you’re wearing yourself out, leaving you frazzled and harried? Perhaps you’re mismanaging your energy, putting too much into areas of your life that aren’t nourishing you in return. Remember to balance activity with rest, and that includes mental rest as well. Just because you don’t physically run around to get stuff done doesn’t mean you’re not wearing yourself out by running overtime in a mental exercise wheel.
Associated energies: Activity, vitality
Associated season: Summer
Element association: Air
Color associations: Brown, red