Which of the following birds can damage fruit crops by consuming them?

The house finch is known for its adaptability and tendency to thrive in urban areas. These birds commonly feed on seeds and fruits, making them potential pests in agricultural settings, particularly for fruit crop producers. Their feeding habits can lead to significant damage, as they consume ripe fruit, thus impacting both the yield and quality of the crop.

The other birds listed also interact with fruit crops but do not do so to the same extent as the house finch when specifically considering damage caused. For instance, while the American robin may eat fruit, it generally consumes more insects and is less of a direct threat to fruit crops compared to the house finch. Red-winged blackbirds are known more for their impact on grain crops, and northern cardinals typically do not pose a major threat to fruit production. Therefore, the house finch stands out as the primary concern for those involved in fruit agriculture due to its significant potential to damage fruit crops.