The true Finches (Fringillidae) are a large family comprising 217 species. Many birds in other families are also commonly called "finches".

The "classical" true finches range in size from the Andean Siskin (Carduelis spinescens) at 9.5 cm to the Collared Grosbeak (Mycerobas affinis) with its nearly 23 cm. They typically have strong, stubby beaks, which in some species can be quite large; however, Hawaiian honeycreepers are famous for the wide range of bill shapes and sizes brought about by adaptive radiation.

The basic plumage colour is brownish, sometimes greenish; many have considerable amounts of black, while white plumage is generally absent except as wing-bars or other signalling marks. Bright yellow and red carotenoid pigments are commonplace in this family, and thus blue structural colours are rather rare, as the yellow pigments turn the blue color into green.

Finches are typically inhabitants of well-wooded areas, but some can be found on mountains or even in deserts. They are primarily granivorous, but euphoniines include considerable amounts of arthropods and berries in their diet, and Hawaiian honeycreepers evolved to utilize a wide range of food sources, including nectar. Most sing well and several are commonly seen cagebirds; foremost among these is the domesticated Canary.