Fringillidae

True finches are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Fringillidae, known for their stout conical bills adapted for eating seeds and nuts, and often have colorful plumage. They inhabit various habitats globally, except for Australia and polar regions, with over two hundred species across fifty genera, including canaries, siskins, and grosbeaks.

Finches were historically used in coal mines in the UK, US, and Canada to detect carbon monoxide until 1986. The smallest true finch is the Andean siskin (9.5 cm), while the largest is the collared grosbeak (up to 24 cm). They typically have strong, stubby beaks and exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being more colorful than females.

Finches are primarily granivorous, but their diet can include arthropods and berries. They are found worldwide, favoring well-wooded areas, and have a distinctive bouncing flight. Many species are popular as cage birds, with canaries being the most prominent. Their nests are basket-shaped, built in trees or bushes.