Finches are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Fringillidae.
They have stout conical bills adapted for eating seeds and nuts and often have colourful
plumage.
These birds helped Charles Darwin understand the way that natural environments affect the
evolution and adaptation of a species.
Originally, Darwin did not discern that all the finches were the same species, as they
looked different.
Some adapted to have long, elegant beaks to be able to reach the fruits of a plant, while
others have adapted to have strong, sturdy beaks in order to break nuts.
This realization helped Darwin understand the effects of species in different ecosystems,
leading to a stronger understanding of Darwinism.
With around 228 different species of finches around the world, let's take a look at 10
of the most beautiful finches in the world.
Number 10.
The Java sparrow, also known as Java finch is a resident breeding bird in Java, Bali
and Bawean in Indonesia.
It is a very gregarious bird which feeds mainly on grain and other seeds.
In fact, this bird was considered as a pest in rice fields.
The Java sparrow has been a popular cage bird in Asia for centuries, first in Ming Dynasty
China and then in Japan from the 17th century, frequently appearing in Japanese paintings
and prints.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s the Java sparrow was one of the most popular cage birds
in the United States until its import was banned.
Today it remains illegal to possess in California because of a perceived threat to agriculture,
although rice-dependent Asian countries have not regulated the bird.
Number 9.
The double-barred finch is found in dry savannah, tropical dry grassland and shrubland habitats
in northern and eastern Australia.
It is sometimes referred to as Bicheno's finch or as the owl finch, due to the dark ring
of feathers around the face.
Usually in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds, this finch feeds on the ground on seeds.
But it will also take insects, especially when breeding.
This cute bird is often kept as a cagebird, and is not currently threatened, in spite
of some declines in the eastern coastal regions.
Number 8.
The zebra finch is the most common estrildid finch of Central Australia and ranges over
most of the continent, avoiding only the cool moist south and some areas of the tropical
far north.
It can also be found natively on Timor island.
The areas it chooses to occupy are close to water, and places where rain is concentrated
after it falls.
However, this is likely more related to the abundance of vegetation than the abundance
of water as a resource in itself.
Male zebra finches begin to sing at puberty, while females lack a singing ability.
This is due to a developmental difference, where in the embryo, the male zebra finch
produces testosterone, which is transformed into estradiol in the brain,
which in turn leads to the development of the nervous system for a song system.
Because zebra finch males learn their songs from their surroundings, they are often used
as avian model organisms to investigate the neural bases of learning, memory, and sensorimotor
integration.
Number 7.
The Eurasian bullfinch is a bulky bull-headed bird with grey upperparts, and short thick
black bill.
Also known as common bullfinch, it breeds across Europe and temperate Asia, where mixed
woodland with some conifers is favoured for breeding, including parkland and gardens.
This finch is mainly resident, but many northern birds migrate further south in the winter.
Unlike other finch species, the eurasian bullfinch does not form large flocks outside the breeding
season, and is usually seen as a pair or family group.
The song of this unobtrusive bird contains fluted whistles, and is often described as
'mournful'.
Number 6.
The pin-tailed parrotfinch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Southeast Asia.
It is found in both montane and lowland moist forest, and is also found in bamboo thickets
and rice plantations.
This species is sensitive to the cold, and molts twice per year, sometimes in captivity
may replace red feathers with yellow ones.
Even though it is a popular cage bird, within its natural range, this finch is sometimes
classed as pest, as flocks of this species can do great damage
to rice crops.
Number 5.
The red-cheeked cordon-bleu is a resident breeding bird in drier regions of tropical
Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is frequently seen at open dry grassland
and savanna habitats as well as around human habitation.
This species is reported to be "among the most popular exotic finches".
While it has no special housing requirements, its habit of roosting on open branches, rather
than in a nest or other protected area, makes it sensitive to low temperatures.
During the breeding season, captive males become very aggressive towards each other,
and birds disturbed during incubation will typically leave the nest.
Number 4.
Endemic to Australia, the diamond firetail is sometimes described as one of the most
stunningly coloured birds of the finch family.
Because of their striking, attractive plumage, Diamond Firetails are popular in aviculture
and are commonly kept as pets.
However, they are aggressive towards other birds, which is why one should keep grass
finches with them if kept in an aviary.
Within their natural range, their numbers have been adversely affected by clearing for
agriculture or urban development, as well as predation of their eggs and young.
Making these finches classified as Endangered or Vulnerable.
Number 3.
The European goldfinch or simply the goldfinch is native to Europe, North Africa and western
and central Asia.
The sexes are broadly similar, but on closer inspection, male European goldfinches can
often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye.
European goldfinches are commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because
of their distinctive appearance and pleasant song.
If European goldfinches are kept with domestic canaries, they tend to lose their native song
and call in favour of their cagemates' songs.
This is considered undesirable, as it detracts from the allure of keeping European goldfinches.
Number 2.
Also known as red-browed firetail, or Sydney waxbill, the red-browed finch inhabits the
east coast of Australia.
It is commonly found in temperate forest and dry savannah habitats, though it may also
be found in dry forest and mangrove habitats in tropical region.
The red-browed finch is highly sociable, and is usually seen in small flocks of 10 to 20
individuals.
The species is distinguished by the bright red stripe above the eye, and bright red rump,
while the rest of the body is grey, with olive wing coverts and collar.
It is a common aviary bird.
It will sometimes hybridise with the star finch, crimson finch, and zebra finch if kept
together in captivity.
Number 1.
The Gouldian finch, also known as the Lady Gouldian finch, or the rainbow finch is native
to Australia.
Both sexes are brightly coloured with black, green, yellow, and red markings.
One major difference between the sexes is that the male's chest is purple, while the
female's is a lighter mauve.
Prior to the Australian government's ban on the export of Australian fauna, Gouldian finches
were exported worldwide in the past, resulting in several colour mutations.
Today, the number of Gouldian finches has decreased quite dramatically.
This is due to their susceptiblity to diseases, along with fires being the primary threat
to their natural populations.