FINCH

[finch] n [ME, fr. OE finc; akin to OHG fincho finch and perh. to Gk spiza chaffinch] (bef. 12c): any of numerous songbirds (esp. families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and Emberizidae) having a short stout usu. conical bill adapted for crushing seeds--compare bunting, crossbill, goldfinch, grosbeak, linnet, sparrow