Finches are small songbirds that eat seeds, are often seen in groups and are so colorful they brighten your day.
What's more...
Although finches belongs in one category, you will be surprised to discover how unique they are. And this article will guide you in taking a closer look at the finches in Michigan.
Finches of Michigan
Michigan, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the expansive coniferous forests of the Upper Peninsula to the deciduous woodlands and suburban gardens of the Lower Peninsula, offers a rich habitat for a variety of finch species.
These small to medium-sized passerine birds, members of the family Fringillidae, are predominantly seed-eaters, characterized by their sturdy, conical bills perfectly adapted for cracking open seeds.
While some are year-round residents, others are winter visitors that embark on irregular, food-driven migrations, making certain sightings a special treat for birders. Here, we delve into eight prominent finch species you might encounter in the Wolverine State.
1. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Status in Michigan
Common Year-Round Resident, though some northern birds may move south.
The American Goldfinch is arguably Michigan's most recognizable finch, largely due to the male's brilliant yellow plumage during the breeding season, offset by black wings with white bars and a black cap. Females are a duller olive-yellow.
In winter, both sexes adopt a more muted, brownish-yellow hue. Their undulating, bouncy flight pattern, often accompanied by their cheerful "po-ta-to-chip" call, makes them easy to identify in flight.
Habitat and Diet
American Goldfinches prefer open, weedy fields, meadows, floodplains, and suburban backyards with plenty of thistle, sunflower, and aster plants. They are almost exclusively seed-eaters, famously consuming thistle (Nyjer) and sunflower seeds. Their breeding season is tied to the abundance of thistle, often nesting later in the summer when these plants are mature.
Where to find them
These adaptable birds are common visitors to backyard feeders, especially those offering Nyjer or black oil sunflower seeds. Look for them in areas with overgrown weeds, forest edges, parks, and suburban gardens across the entire state.
2. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Status in Michigan
Common Year-Round Resident.
Originally native to the western U.S. and Mexico, the House Finch was introduced to the eastern U.S. in 1940 and has since become widespread. Males display varying shades of red on their head, breast, and rump, contrasting with streaky brown flanks and back. The intensity of their red coloration depends on their diet. Females are dull gray-brown with blurry streaks, lacking the red. They are often confused with the native Purple Finch.
Habitat and Diet
House Finches thrive in human-altered landscapes, including urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, parks, farms, and forest edges. They are almost exclusively vegetarian, feeding on seeds, buds, and fruits, with a particular fondness for black oil sunflower seeds at feeders. Their adaptability to human environments has contributed to their success.
Where to find them
Look for House Finches in virtually any developed area across Michigan. They are common at backyard feeders, in city parks, on window ledges, and nesting in hanging baskets or dense shrubs.
3. Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)
Status in Michigan
Common Breeder (especially northern Michigan); Short-distance Migrant/Irregular Winter Visitor.
The Purple Finch is Michigan's true "raspberry-red" finch. Males have a rich, wine-red or raspberry color washing over their head, breast, and back, which extends less intensely onto their flanks. Females are streaky brown with a strong whitish eyebrow and a dark line down the side of the throat, distinguishing them from the House Finch.
While they breed in Michigan, particularly in coniferous or mixed forests, they are considered short-distance, erratic migrants, with their winter presence often dependent on food availability further north.
Habitat and Diet
Purple Finches prefer coniferous or mixed forests, forest edges, and semi-open areas. In winter, during irruption years, they may visit suburban backyards. Their diet consists primarily of seeds from conifers, elms, and birches, as well as buds, berries, and occasionally insects. They readily visit feeders for black oil sunflower and Nyjer seeds.
Where to find them
During breeding season, seek them in northern Michigan's forested areas. In winter, especially during irruption years, they can be found across the state at feeders or in wooded suburban areas.
4. Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)
Status in Michigan
Irregular Winter Visitor; Uncommon Breeder in northern Michigan.
The Pine Siskin is a small, streaky brown finch with subtle yellow edgings on its wing and tail feathers, often visible in flight. They have a sharp, pointed bill. These highly nomadic birds are part of the "winter finch" complex, moving south from boreal forests in irregular irruptions when conifer cone crops are poor in their northern breeding grounds. They are known for their distinctive "zreeeeeet" call.
Habitat and Diet
Pine Siskins primarily inhabit coniferous and mixed forests, alder thickets, and brushy pastures. Their diet consists mainly of small seeds from conifers (spruce, fir, hemlock), as well as alder and birch. During irruption years, they frequently visit backyard feeders, favoring Nyjer, thistle, and sunflower seeds.
Where to find them
Look for Pine Siskins in Michigan during winter, especially when there are reports of an "irruption" year. They often associate with American Goldfinches at feeders. In summer, they are found in the coniferous forests of the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.
5. Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
Status in Michigan
Irregular Winter Visitor.
The Common Redpoll is a small, energetic winter visitor to Michigan, easily identified by its bright red forehead patch (the "redpoll") and a small black chin patch. Males may show a rosy flush on their breast and flanks. Their upperparts are brownish-grey, and their underparts are white with dark streaks.
They are closely related to the Hoary Redpoll, which is paler and less streaked.
Habitat and Diet
Common Redpolls breed in the far northern latitudes (tundra and boreal forests) and move south erratically during winter in search of food. In Michigan, they can be found in open woodlands, scrubby fields, and frequently at backyard feeders. Their diet consists mainly of small seeds from birch, alder, willow, and various conifers, often clinging acrobatically to branches to strip seeds.
Where to find them
Common Redpolls are a classic "winter finch" for Michigan birders. Look for them from late fall through early spring, especially during irruption years, at feeders offering Nyjer, black oil sunflower seeds, or millet. They often travel in busy flocks.
6. Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Status in Michigan
Irregular Year-Round Resident (highly nomadic).
The Red Crossbill is named for its uniquely crossed bill mandibles, a specialized adaptation for extracting seeds from conifer cones. Males are brick-red or reddish-orange, while females are dull yellow-green. They have dark wings and tails. Their presence in Michigan is highly variable and depends entirely on the availability of conifer cone crops. They are "nomadic," meaning they wander widely outside of typical migratory patterns, breeding whenever and wherever food is plentiful.
Habitat and Diet
Red Crossbills are almost exclusively found in mature coniferous forests, including spruce, fir, hemlock, and pine stands. Their diet is nearly 100% conifer seeds. Different "types" or "call types" of Red Crossbills are specialized to feed on specific conifer species.
Where to find them
Finding Red Crossbills in Michigan can be challenging due to their nomadic nature. Your best bet is to seek them out in the extensive coniferous forests of the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, particularly in areas with abundant cone crops. Listen for their distinctive jip-jip flight calls.
7. White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)
Status in Michigan
Irregular Winter Visitor; Uncommon Breeder in northern Michigan.
Similar to the Red Crossbill in bill structure, the White-winged Crossbill is distinguished by its prominent white wing bars. Males are rose-red with black wings and tail and, of course, the white wing bars. Females are dull yellow-green with similar black wings and white bars. They are also highly nomadic and tied to conifer cone crops, though they have a strong preference for spruce and tamarack.
Habitat and Diet
White-winged Crossbills are found in spruce and tamarack forests, primarily within the boreal forest regions. Like their red cousins, their diet consists almost entirely of conifer seeds, which they pry from cones using their specialized bills. During irruptions, they might be seen in ornamental spruce plantings in more southern areas.
Where to find them
As with Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills are a "winter finch" that appears irregularly in Michigan. Focus your search on areas with mature spruce and tamarack stands in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula during irruption years.
8. Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina)
Status in Michigan
Declining Year-Round Resident (primarily northern Michigan); Irregular Winter Visitor.
The Evening Grosbeak is a large, striking finch with a thick, conical, pale bill. Adult males are particularly distinctive with their golden-yellow body, dark brown head, bright yellow forehead, and black wings with large white patches. Females are duller, mostly brownish-gray with similar white wing patches. Their populations have declined significantly in recent decades, making them a less common sight than they once were.
Habitat and Diet
Evening Grosbeaks prefer coniferous and mixed forests during the breeding season, particularly those with spruce and fir. In winter, they may wander widely in search of abundant seed and berry crops, including those from maples, ash, and mountain ash. They are powerful seed crackers, consuming large seeds, buds, and insects. They will readily visit backyard feeders.
Where to find them
Your best chance to spot Evening Grosbeaks in Michigan is in the coniferous forests of the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, particularly during winter if they undertake irruptive movements. Backyard birders in northern Michigan can help research efforts by reporting flocks visiting feeders, as scientists are actively tracking their movements to understand their decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there finches in Michigan?
Yes, there are. Michigan offers a total of eight different species of finches and you can find these species of finches all over the state.
Are there blue finches in Michigan?
No, there are none! Michigan finches all share the color red on their bodies.
Do finches stay in Michigan for the winter?
Yes, they do. Michigan finches are birds of the north and most of the species found in the state are seasonal birds, often appearing during the winter.
Watch goldfinch and redpoll in Michigan during winter here:
Wrapping Up
Michigan is a beautiful state that is home to a variety of finch species.
Michigan offers a rewarding experience for finch enthusiasts. Whether you're watching common backyard visitors or eagerly anticipating an 'irruption year' for a glimpse of the rarer northern species, these diverse and often vibrant birds provide endless fascination.
By understanding their preferred habitats and behaviors, you can increase your chances of spotting these delightful members of the Fringillidae family.
Check out some great places to bird watch in Michigan.
