Finch

The finch was introduced to New Zealand in the 1860's first to Nelson, but they then rapidly spread and are now common around New Zealand. They are agile and acrobatic, and are generally olive-green and yellow with some red.

Finches tend to only stay in one area and normally live in farmland, orchards, scrub, hedges, pine plantations, and gardens. 

They eat; seed, grain, cereal, flowers, fruits, vegetables and some insects. They have a heavy bill so can eat larger seeds than most other birds. Generally they feed in flocks and these can number from 500 - 1000.

Finches are considered a pest to the crop and horticultural industry as they eat large quantities of seeds. The kiwifruit industry also suffers from finches as they love kiwifruit buds.