Читать книгу Finches For Dummies - Nikki Moustaki - Страница 8

Because they comprise such a large group, finches are found in every corner of the world. Even the Galapagos Islands are home to 13 species of finches, all of which were studied by famed British naturalist, Charles Darwin. The finch was one of the animals used in Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which posits that ecological and social pressures can actually change an animal’s physiology.

If you’re reading this in the United States, you can only keep finches that aren’t native to North America. This goes for all birds, actually. If a bird is native to North America, housing it is illegal unless you have a permit or are a licensed bird rescuer. Birds that fall into this category include the American goldfinch, the cardinal, and the pine siskin, among others.

Most of the companion finches available for purchase are native to other countries but were bred in captivity where you live. As of 1992, it is illegal to import birds from other countries under the Wild Bird Conservation Act.