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Finch is the common name for members of the Fringillidae, the largest family of birds (including over half the known species), found in most parts of the world except Australia. Finches are characterised by their stout, conical bills, used to crack open the seeds that form the bulk of their diet. They are valued as destroyers of weed seeds; many also eat harmful insects. Since seeds, unlike insects, are not influenced by weather, many Finches are year-round residents in colder areas. The Finches, which are considered the most highly developed of the birds, are widely diversified. In addition to birds whose names, such as Goldfinch, designate them as Finches: Sparrows, Buntings, Towhees, Juncos, Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Bramblings, Siskins, Linnets, Redpols, Canaries and Crossbills are all Finches.

Finches' wild environments are extremely diverse; Canaries are known mostly through captivity.

IgE mediated reactions

Asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis may result following exposure to bird allergens (1). The allergenic proteins may be found in bird serum, droppings, skin scales, feathers and, in the case of Pigeons, Pigeon bloom (a waxy fine dust which coats the feathers of Pigeons). Contact may result from handling birds, cleaning their lofts, or exposure to the organic dust drifting down from a ceiling or roof where birds nest.

Exposure results in the development of immunoglobulins including IgE (1), IgM (2), IgA and various IgG subclasses (3-5). The antibodies may be found in the sera and saliva of patients (6) as well as in the sera of asymptomatic but exposed subjects (7).

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to Finch feathers has been reported. Serum-precipitating antibodies to Finch extract were positive and the patient improved after removal of Finches (8).

Diagnosis is based on a characteristic clinical picture and a typical x-ray pattern, accompanied by the presence of specific IgG antibodies (9).

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Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis, also known as Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Bird Fancier's Lung and Farmer's Lung, is a disease of inflammation of the lung parenchyma in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli. Symptoms may start soon after exposure to bird allergens or after many years, and may include breathlessness, cough, occasional chills, and fever. Death may also result.

The disease occurs after exposure to organic dust, especially after close contact with Pigeons or other birds such as Budgerigars, Parrots, Canaries, Parakeets, Cockatiels, Doves or Finches. 

No allergens from this bird have yet been characterised.

Last reviewed- April 2022