Finches

219 species

The true finches are small to medium-sized passerine birds that have stout conical bills adapted for eating seeds and nuts and often have colorful plumage. They occupy a great range of habitats where they are usually resident and do not migrate. They have a worldwide distribution except for Australia and the polar regions. The finches are primarily granivorous, however, some species consume considerable amounts of arthropods and berries in their diet; Hawaiian honeycreepers feed on a wide range of food sources, including nectar. True finches have a bouncing flight like most small passerines, alternating bouts of flapping with gliding on closed wings. Most sing well and several are commonly seen as cagebirds; foremost among these is the domesticated canary (Serinus canaria domestica). The nests of these birds are basket-shaped and usually built in trees, more rarely in bushes, between rocks, or on similar substrates.
show less
The true finches are small to medium-sized passerine birds that have stout conical bills adapted for eating seeds and nuts and often have colorful plumage. They occupy a great range of habitats where they are usually resident and do not migrate. They have a worldwide distribution except for Australia and the polar regions. The finches are primarily granivorous, however, some species consume considerable amounts of arthropods and berries in their diet; Hawaiian honeycreepers feed on a wide range of food sources, including nectar. True finches have a bouncing flight like most small passerines, alternating bouts of flapping with gliding on closed wings. Most sing well and several are commonly seen as cagebirds; foremost among these is the domesticated canary (Serinus canaria domestica). The nests of these birds are basket-shaped and usually built in trees, more rarely in bushes, between rocks, or on similar substrates.
show less