finch

American  

[finch] / fɪntʃ /

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.

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finch British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of finch

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

Explanation

A finch is a small songbird with its defining characteristic being its short, stout bill that is perfect for crushing seeds. Though small, the finch is a bird that made a major contribution to science. In the 1800s, biologist Charles Darwin studied several species of finches found on the Galápagos Islands, taking detailed notes about their variations. His observations of these little birds greatly contributed to Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution. Finches are found in various habitats, from woodlands to urban gardens, and they primarily feed on seeds.

Example Sentences

In the middle, a small finch was desperately trying to free his legs, but the more it moved, the more its claws became tangled.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

After the eggs hatched, the baby birds received one of two treatments—road noise or zebra finch song—for another 9 nights.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 24, 2024

"After chasing dozens of them, the real winners were from birds," Collins said, including the zebra finch and the white-throated sparrow.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2024

Estrildid finch songs, Japanese quail calls, squirrel monkey caws and even the ultrasonic vocalizations of house mice were used for comparison in the study.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2024

Did the word disappear from the finch language, from finch society?

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly