May 10, 2012

All About Finches

When deciding to add a feathered friend to your family, it's important to select a bird whose needs can be met in your home. Here's what you need to know about finches.

Finches are small birds of the taxonomic order Passeriformes (commonly known as "perching" birds) characterized by conical bills, specialized for eating seeds, and quiet dispositions. Many, like the canary, have bright, bold colors and melodic songs. Some species have been bred in captivity for hundreds of years and are largely thought to be domesticated, though their ancestors may still live in the wild. Finches are mostly seed-eaters but also may eat small insects and fruit when available. 

All in the family

Most of the domestically bred finches in the U.S. belong to one of three families: Estrildidae, Fringillidae, or Ploceidae. Read more about different types of finches to learn which might be the best match for you »

High-energy, best in pairs

Finches are very active and have high metabolic rates.  In fact, finch metabolic rates are so high that they can starve to death in 24 hours if without food. Fresh food must be provided every day and old seed/food discarded so that there is a constant supply of abundant food.

Did you know? Finches are social birds who should never be kept singly.

Finches are well-suited as companions for people who like watching and listening to a group of birds going about their daily lives eating, singing, bathing and preening. They are social birds and should never be kept singly. Finches are greatly dependent on each other for both physical and mental well-being, which is part of their appeal to humans. As long as nutritious food, good sanitation, clean water, and temperature-controlled space are provided for them, they keep each other happy and do not demand prolonged attention from their human caretakers.

Finches can be adopted from an animal shelter or bird rescue group just like other birds, cats, and dogs. You can search online on websites like Petfinder.com for adoptable birds in your area.

Handle with care

A finch might not be the bird for you if you're looking for a bird you can handle: finches do not tolerate handling or other physical contact. They cannot be trained to sit on a hand or shoulder, as their flight (fleeing) instinct is very strong.

Close-knit, but need big cages

Scientists agree that these families of finches are closely related. In captivity, most get along well together. Though usually kept in cages much too small, they manage to adapt, which has made them very popular "cage" birds.  This fact, however, does not mean that they do not need more room. These birds actually become more active and have fewer health and behavior problems when kept in aviaries with access to direct sunlight and fresh air when temperatures allow. Read more about choosing a bird cage »