The true finches of family Fringillidae are predominantly seed-eating songbirds. They vary from 9-23 cm. They typically have strong, stubby beaks, which in some species can be quite large. Finches are usually are inhabitants of well-wooded areas, but some can be found on mountains or even in deserts. True finches have a bouncing flight like most small passerines, alternating bouts of flapping with gliding on closed wings. The nests are basket-shaped and usually built in trees.

They are not closely related to the Estrildid Finches.


Subfamily Fringillinae

Genus Fringilla

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs   Found: Europe, Africa, New Zealand (introduced)
Photographed by:  1, 2) DIck Daniels - Scotland   4) Dick - New Zealand   3) freebird4
1, 2) Male  3, 4) Female


Goldfinch, European Carduelis carduelis Found: North America (some escapees), Europe, Asia, Africa, New Zealand (introduced)
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - England   2) Dick - New Zealand  


Greenfinch, European Carduelis chloris Found: Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia (introduced), New Zealand (introduced)
Photographed by: 1, 3) Andreas Trepte   2) Marek Szczepanek