Discovering the Birds of a Feather
Introduction to Finches in North America
Finches are a family of small passerine birds that inhabit North America and the surrounding region. They are found throughout the continent from coast to coast, in both rural and urban areas. Finches typically have parrot-like beaks that enable them to feed on seeds, grains, and other foods. There are many types of finches in North America, from the well-known house finch to rarer species with specialized diets and behaviors. The different types of finches in North America vary by size, coloration, diet, habitat preference, and behavior. Some common species include the house finch, American goldfinch, purple finch, Cassin's finch, cedar waxwing, evening grosbeak, pine siskin, and common redpoll.