Fringillidae

Fringillidae is a family of small to medium-sized passerine birds commonly known as true finches. The group is globally distributed and occupies a wide range of habitats, from woodlands and scrub to grasslands and agricultural areas. It includes a large number of familiar species such as the chaffinch, goldfinch, canary, crossbills, siskins, and linnets.

Most fringillids have stout, conical bills adapted for seed eating. Their diets are primarily seeds from grasses and composite plants, though many species also take fruits, buds, and, in the breeding season, insects to feed their young. Plumage varies widely among species and can show strong sexual dimorphism.

Behavior and reproduction: Fringillids are typically social, forming flocks outside the breeding season. They nest in shrubs or trees, building compact, cup-shaped nests. Clutch sizes range widely by species, commonly two to eight eggs. Incubation and parental feeding are usually shared by the pair, with fledglings cared for until independent.

Systematics and diversity: The family is divided into subfamilies, notably Fringillinae and Carduelinae, and contains a broad spectrum of genera, including Fringilla, Loxia, Spinus, Carduelis, Serinus, and Linaria. The group comprises roughly 230 to 250 described species across about 60 genera. Finches have been the subject of extensive taxonomic revision, and several species are popular in aviculture or as backyard feeders. Habitat loss and environmental change threaten some species, while others are widespread and adaptable.