Many bird watchers often call small Songbirds that eat seeds “Finches”. (Some even refer to Them as “Little Brown Jobs” (LBJs)). However, not every “Finch” is a Finch. In fact, Darwin’s famous Finches are actually relatives of Tanagers.
There are only two groups of Finches – Fringillids (True Finches) and Estrildids. True Finches are Canaries, Crossbills, Hawaiian Creepers, and Siskins. Estrildids consists of Waxbills and relatives of Old World Sparrows. A major difference between the two is their primaries (feathers). Estrildids have ten while Fringillids have nine. Another difference is that Estrildids brood chicks in covered nests, while Fringillid chicks defecate in theirs.
Finches have special adaptations for eating seeds. They wedge the seed into a groove on the roof of their mouths. Then They raise their lower jaw to hold it. Before crushing the seed, Finches peel off the husk with their tongue, and discard it. Thus the seed is handily consumed.
Watching these sprightly Birds can be a treat. Gregarious and social Finches bounce around chattering to each other. Through their antics and songs, these happy little Birds bring smiles to people. Finches live their lives in joyousness and purposeful activity. They are more than LBJs; Finches bring smiles to all who watch them.
Science Note:
Canaries and Purple Finches are Fringillids, while Zebra Finches are Estrildids.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
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