I love birds of all kinds
@Gefn . I think there are ups and downs as there is with all pets. I'm not sure what type finch your friend has.
On the up side, they can be very affectionate (if they are the lone bird), you don't have to take them on a walk and unless you get a parrot they are pretty low cost for vet expense.
On the down side, they are messy, can be loud and will drive a cat or dog to distraction.
I've had birds most of my life but right now...not so much. I'm enjoying the freedom of not taking care of any inside animals. My last stint involved buying all the birds at the local dime store that I felt weren't being cared for properly. 2 love birds. 9 parakeets and 20 or so finches. It kind of broke me of my habit, lol. But the house was alive with the sound of music/screeching. This was in addition to 6 large rowdy dogs and 3 high falutin' cats. So for the time being...I'm good being "inside petless".
Like I said, I don't know what kind of finch you are talking about. But before the "deluge" I had a parakeet that was super affectionate and could even speak few words. But he was a single bird..I was his flock.