The House Finch, (Haemorhous mexicanus) has had an interesting history.  Originally residing in the southwestern US and Mexico, some were brought to New York in the 1940’s and sold illegally as “Hollywood Finches”  To avoid prosecution under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, they were released.  They became established and spread gradually across the country till they met up again with their origins in the west. They are with House Sparrows, one of the most common feeder birds, and have largely replaced Purple Finches in their range.