Members of the finch family (Fringillidae) are seed eaters with beaks that have evolved into different shapes and sizes to specialize in different kinds of seeds. The beak of the Red Crossbill has crossed mandibles that the birds use to pry seeds out of the cones of spruce, pine, tamarack, and hemlock trees. The Pine Grosbeak is more of a generalist; its beak can crush hard seeds and also eat fleshy fruits.

In winter, finch flocks will move long distances in search of areas with an abundant fruit or cone supply. Occasionally, large groups of finches will “irrupt,” shifting outside their typical range to the north of New York and will take up residence in our evergreen forests. These irruptive finches will remain in one area until food becomes scarce and then will move on again.