CLINGING TO THE FEEDER, singing and twittering from a nearby limb or flitting across the garden, there’s something homey and companionable about finches.

I look forward to American and Lesser goldfinches visiting my feeders, the return of black-headed grosbeaks in the spring, and ubiquitous male house finches in their surprising array of colors from cherry red to bright gold against brown and drab feathers.

Purple finches, crossbills and siskins make our visits to the local mountain forest particularly pleasant, too.

Black-oil Sunflower seeds appeal to most finches, but nyjer is best for the smallest finch species. Striped sunflower is the seed of choice for the grosbeak. Feeders that specialize in the type of seed they dispense are a must-have for true finch lovers.

A basket of soft nesting material is appreciated by finches large and small, and although they don’t usually nest in nestboxes, finches use cover that provides protection for their nests. Goldfinches build in thickets of grass, while House Finches may nest in a hanging plant placed near the house.

One year a house finch built a nest on a ledge under the roof of our carport. Another built a nest in a carving over the front door. Still another built a nest where the rain gutter adjoined the roof!

Beginning birdwatchers may be happy just to know that finches are those small sparrow-like birds that come in either yellow or red varieties.

But a good guidebook to the local finches will be essential for customers who have a burning need to know the difference between a Cassin’s and a Purple finch – to say nothing about all the esoteric variations between redpolls.

Regardless of the species, finches are fascinating and cheery companions of the backyard.