The origins are most likely based on one of the sounds they make. The colors on the male range from red-orange to almost yellow. Purple Finch - A winter visitor so named for its color. This color purple was the imperial purple of the Romans. The senators wore togas with borders of the color.
Goldfinches are a finch of a different color.
Until I was almost grown I never new there was any such thing as a Vulture. Grandpa called em buzzards and that was good enough for me. I didn t know any Latin either. So there you have it. In Alabama we have 2 Vultures, both permanent residents.