Finches (Fringillidae) are a large and diverse group of relatively small songbirds. The most evident characteristic of all finches is their strong, conical beak. Most members of this family have a fairly long, narrow tail with the end notched in the shape of a V.
Finches are mainly good singers, and they boast their singing before females, while at the same time letting other males – competitors – know that area is already occupied. When they are not nesting they like to socialize. In flocks they search for food and they also take off together on their migratory journey.
Their main food is seeds, which they easily crack in half or deftly shell with a strong beak; in summer they also catch many insects. Finches build open, basket-shaped nests that they hide among the branches of dense shrubs or trees.
