FINCHES

n. any of a number of small seed-eating songbirds

For other meanings, see Finch (disambiguation). Finches are passerine birds, often seed-eating, found chiefly in the northern hemisphere and Africa. One subfamily is endemic to the Neotropics. The family scientific name Fringillidae comes from the Latin word "fringilla", meaning chaffinch, a member of this family that is common in Europe. The taxonomic structure of the true finch family, Fringillidae, is somewhat disputed, with some including the Hawaiian honeycreepers as another subfamily (Drepanidinae) and/or uniting the cardueline and fringilline finches as tribes (Carduelini and Fringillini) in one subfamily; the euphonious finches were thought to be tanagers due to general similarity in appearance and mode of life until their real affinities were realized; the buntings and American sparrows were formerly considered another subfamily (Emberizinae). Przewalski's "Rosefinch" (Urocynchramus pylzowi) is now classified as a distinct, monotypic family with no particularly close relatives (Groth 2000).
See more at Wikipedia.org...

Noun
1. any of numerous small songbirds with short stout bills adapted for crushing seeds
(hypernym) oscine, oscine bird
(hyponym) chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
(member-holonym) Fringillidae, family Fringillidae

Traits:
If properly cared for, finches can live up to five years. Finches are not typically a bird that can be handled, although there are a few rare cases. They are better as pets to be watched as opposed to being handled. Finches are active, amusing and the males tend to have a soothing song. Be careful when mixing varieties, as all breeds do not get along. Finches are social birds and prefer to be kept in a colony setting. If breeding is not desired, females can be kept together without difficulty. Finches also require the ability to nest and do best with covered nesting.
Feeding:
A finch's metabolism is very active and it can starve to death in as little as 24 hours if it does not eat. Finches should eat a staple diet of fresh fortified finch seed or pellet daily. Finches only eat off the top of what is offered, so be sure to check the food daily. Besides a variety of seed mix or pellet, offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables and a variety of fresh fruits in addition to a protein source like mature legumes, hard cooked chopped egg, and grated cheese. Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 2 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny. Stop the fresh food for a day to see if this is the reason. Millet Spray also makes an excellent supplement for finches. Finches require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their water cup out thoroughly prior to adding fresh water to reduce bacteria growth. Powdered vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, but putting it in the water can encourage bacterial growth.
Housing:
When choosing a cage for your finch, remember length is more beneficial to the bird than height. Finches enjoy flying, therefore, the larger the cage the better. Ideally the cage for a pair of finches should measure a minimum of 36 " long by 14" high and 10" wide. Perches are an essential part of the cage and should be chosen to suit the feet of the finch. Approximately 3" of perch space per bird is best. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor. Toys, such as bells and mirrors, in the finch's cage will keep your bird entertained. Always have a cuttlebone to supply your finch with calcium and prevent beak overgrowth. To aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend placing a suitable size birdbath in the cage on a weekly basis. Place your finch's cage at eye-level in a bright area free from drafts and direct sunlight.
More...

FRINGUELLI. PASSERI DELLA FAMIGLIA DEI FRINGILLIDI