When do house finches start to mate,start to build their new nests, what's the time frame they do this?

Question

Just curious. Last year, we had 2 different house finch couples build their nests in our covered patio. 1 didn't make it due to a giant rat killing the mother bird & destroying her eggs.
The 2nd nest, they laid their eggs. Only 1 of the eggs hatched, but the baby finch only lived a few weeks then for whatever reason, it died.
Will a house finch couple return, or a new couple attempt to build their nest under our covered patio? I've cleaned up the old nesting materials last year?
Just curious to have something to look forward too this new years.

Answer 1

Definitely, If you had 2 last year there is a good chance you will have another this year. Covered patios are a great and notorious nesting spot for House Finches and Mourning Doves.

Answer 2

You might get some you might not, it's a question of luck but since you've already had 2 nests there it might suggest that it's an appealing spot to them. In many places pairs have already started forming. As for when they start building the nest, it depends a little on where you are, but it's usually mid to late March. The female does most of the work, and depending on the weather when she's building it, the time frame can go from a few days to 3 weeks. Early nesters will start laying in late March.