Fringillidae - True Finches, Siskins, Crossbills, Hawaiian Honeycreepers

There are around 220 extant (living) species of birds in the Fringillidae family. They are found around the world, with many species living in the Northern Hemisphere.

Many birds in this family have strong, cone-shaped bills that they use to crack open seeds. Some species have small, narrow bills for eating tiny seeds and insects, while others have large, powerful bills for opening larger seeds.

The birds in this family come in many colors and patterns. They range in size from small to medium-sized birds, and all species have 12 tail feathers. Many males have brighter colors than females, which helps them attract mates.

HAWAIIAN HONEYCREEPERS

Hawaiian honeycreepers are a group of small, colorful birds found only on the Hawaiian Islands. They live mainly in forested areas and have developed different types of bills that help them eat different foods.

Hawaiian honeycreepers are about 4–8 inches (10.2–20.3 cm) long. They have pointed wings and medium-sized tails. Some species have small, thin bills for catching insects, while others have short, sturdy bills for cracking seeds. Some species have long, curved bills that they use to drink nectar from flowers and sometimes catch insects.

Did You Know?

Purple Finch
The Purple Finch, the state bird of New Hampshire, is a member of this family. Image Credit: Cephas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

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