Finches
The True Finches, or Fringillids, are a large group of specialized
seedeaters found throughout the world. There are some lovely birds among
them, including the three goldfinches of North America. Until I did
some research for this web page, I admit to being confused between these
fringillid finches, and other types of birds called "finches." I could
never remember, for example, whether Galapagos finches were fringillids
or something else (they are actually more closely related to cardinals
& grosbeaks, and some even place them in their own family
Geospizinae). The word "finch" is also used for some estrilids (waxbill
family), some Hawaiian honeycreepers, and for a variety of emberizids
and related birds. Likewise, some fringillids are termed "grosbeaks" or
"seedeaters," but are not closely related to traditional grosbeaks or
the widespread Neotropical seedeaters. All "finches," of whatever
family, are seed eaters, but what sets the Fringillids apart are their
special adaptations for dealing with seeds. Fringillids have stout
conical bills, strong skulls, large jaw muscles, and powerful gizzards.
All have modified beaks for holding and shelling seeds. The seed is
wedged in a special groove at the side of the palate and crushed by
raising the lower jaw onto it, as the Chaffinch (below right) is doing.
The husk is then peeled off with the aid of the tongue, releasing the
kernel which is swallowed.
» HABITAT AND RANGE:worldwide, except Australia and Pacific Islands, in woods and scrub
» DESCRIPTION:11-19 cm; bill conical, sharply pointed; wide variety of plumages with various streaking and/or red or yellow predominating; male often more colorful than female;
» FOOD:feed on seeds, buds and fruits and some insects
» BREEDING:unusual or unpredictable breeding seasons; most spp. gregarious and many nomadic; monogamous; 2-7 eggs; biparental care.
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