finch

[finch]

noun

1. any of numerous small passerine birds of the family Fringillidae, including the buntings, sparrows, crossbills, purple finches, and grosbeaks, most of which have a short, conical bill adapted for eating seeds.

2. any of various nonfringilline birds, especially the weaverbirds of the family Ploceidae and the tropical members of the subfamily Emberizinae.

finch

/ fɪntʃ /

noun

1. any songbird of the family Fringillidae , having a short stout bill for feeding on seeds and, in most species, a bright plumage in the male. Common examples are the goldfinch, bullfinch, chaffinch, siskin, and canary

2. any of various similar or related birds

Word History and Origins

Origin of finch¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English finc; cognate with Dutch vink, German Fink; akin to Greek spíngos finch

Word History and Origins

Origin of finch¹

Old English finc ; related to Old High German finko , Middle Dutch vinker , Greek spingos

Example Sentences

However, experiments in birds like the zebra finch help provide some answers as to why this species sings.

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Now, house finches, for instance, they have a really terrible disease that’s like pink eye, and it’s really taking them down.

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On a recent morning, Shultz opened a wooden tray to reveal rows of house finches, a palm-sized bird commonly found in Los Angeles.

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For example, Darwin's finches illustrate how such changes can manifest: They have evolved different beak shapes adapted to various food supplies available on the Galápagos Island.

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Vampire ground finches will resort to feasting on the blood of other birds if conditions are particularly harsh.

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