Common Finches

The finch is a common bird that appears in nature in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Finches are also popular as pets for people who choose to keep birds in their homes. Finches can vary in size from three inches to eight inches. Their color varies widely, depending on their species. Finches in the wild are also very active, frequently moving from place to place.

  1. Zebra Finches

    • Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) take their name from the resemblance of the male of the species to the zebra. The zebra finch commonly has feathers patterned with black-and-white stripes. In addition, the zebra finch can also have shades of red and orange in its plumage. The zebra finch is known for being active and has a high resistance to diseases, making it a popular choice as a pet.

    Society Finches

    • The society or Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata domestica) got its name because of the ease with which it relates and interacts with other birds, whether they be finches or other types. The society finch originated in Asia. Its coloring is typically solid, usually in earth tones such as light browns, tans or off-white. They can also be two-toned in a combination of those colors. The society finch typically only grows to about four inches in length, but it needs ample room to fly, as it is typically quite active.

    Gouldian Finches

    • The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), also known as the Lady Gouldian finch, was named for the wife of noted artist John Gould of Britain. The Gouldian finch is easily recognizable with it multicolored plumage: purple, red, orange, yellow and vibrant greens. The brightly-colored birds typically travel in large flocks, numbering in the thousands. They are native to northern Austrailia. Gouldian Finches make very popular pets because of their eye-catching feathers, but as wild animals their numbers have steadily dwindled, and they are now considered endangered.

    European Goldfinches

    • The European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is typically from four to five inches in length. The main identifying characteristic of the goldfinch is its gold or yellow stripe on each of its wings. The rest of the bird's feathers are tan, white and light brown. Its face is red near the beak, with white and black also appearing on the bird's head. The European goldfinch's wings are black, with the highly recognizable gold or yellow stripe in the middle.