Other Definitions
finch (dict)
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FinchMany, see text Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, the many species of which are found chiefly in the northern hemisphere, but also to a limited extent in Africa and South America. They are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Their nests are basket-shaped and built in trees. Species - Family Fringillidae
- Subfamily Fringillinae - Fringilline finches; contains only three species, which feed their young insects rather than seeds.
- Subfamily Carduelinae - Cardueline finches; a much larger group that contains several genera which feed their young on seeds.
There are many other birds in other groups which are called finches, notably the very similar-looking Estrildids or waxbills, which occur in the Old World tropics and Australia. Some of the closely related sparrows are also named as "finches", as are some buntings. - Some other Cardueline finch species not listed above:
References - Finches and Sparrows by Clement, Harris and Davis, ISBN 0-7136-8017-2
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