Finches : 55

This illustrated survey of finch behaviour is a thorough, non-technical account of the habits of these birds throughout the world, drawing on extensive bird-watching experience and published research to document the main patterns of feeding, feather development, breeding, and migration.

Discover the fascinating world of finches and their remarkable adaptations. Greenfinches nest in plantations, large shrubby gardens and churchyards with plenty of evergreens, thickets and tall hedges. After breeding, goldfinches forage on waste land, overgrown rubbish dumps, neglected allotments, and rough pastures. Bullfinches develop special pouches in the floor of their mouths during breeding season—opening on each side of the tongue and extending back under the jaws as far as the neck, holding about one cubic centimetre of food for their young. Cocks of the Chaffinch and Brambling species sing in the breeding season to repel other males and attract females.

Dr. Newton presents the changing relationship of these birds to their environment, combining scientific rigour with accessible writing to create an essential guide for anyone interested in these captivating birds.