The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

FRINGILLIDAE

Fringillidae is a large family of Conirostral birds comprising the finches. They are remarkable for the shortness thickness and powerful structure of their beak, the upper and lower mandibles being for the most part equal thickness. The mandibles are almost as high as they are wide, so that when the beak is closed is looks like a short cone divided in the middle by the gape. They feed principally on seeds, nuts and the kernels of stone-fruits. The young are fed on insects.
Research Fringillidae