Citril Finch Bird Facts (Carduelis citrinella)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Citril Finch is a small, vibrant finch with a distinctive greenish-yellow plumage. Its body is primarily olive-green, brightened by a yellow rump and breast. The wings and tail feature dark feathers edged with yellow, creating a striking pattern.

Males are more brightly coloured than females, with a more intense yellow on the face and underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have streaked underparts. The bird's appearance remains consistent year-round, with no significant seasonal changes.

Size

Length

12cm to 13cm

Wingspan

22cm to 26cm

Weight

11g to 14g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Green Yellow

Secondary Colour

Grey White

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Citril Finch can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Citril Finch can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Citril Finch is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Citril Finches inhabit high-altitude areas of central and southern Europe, primarily in the Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountainous regions. They prefer coniferous forests, particularly those with spruce and pine, as well as alpine meadows and scrublands.

During winter, some populations move to lower elevations or more southerly areas. Their distribution is closely tied to the availability of suitable mountain habitats.

Elevation Range

800 to 2,500 meters

Climate zones

Alpine, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Citril Finch. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Andorra Austria France Italy Spain Switzerland

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Germany Liechtenstein Montenegro Serbia Slovenia

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Belgium Poland Portugal

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 82

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Citril Finch demonstrates remarkable agility through its undulating flight patterns and ability to manoeuvre expertly amongst conifer branches whilst foraging. Their skilled seed extraction from cones requires precise movements and excellent balance.

Strength 35

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small finch weighing only 11-14g, the Citril Finch possesses modest strength relative to other birds. Whilst capable of extracting seeds from tough conifer cones, their physical power is proportionate to their diminutive size.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These finches show impressive adaptability, surviving temperatures as low as -20°C and managing altitudinal migrations of over 1,000m. They adjust their diet seasonally and can shift their elevation range as needed, though they remain specialists of mountain habitats.

Aggressiveness 30

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Citril Finches are generally social and peaceful birds, typically seen in small flocks outside breeding season. Whilst males engage in courtship displays and aerial chases, they show limited aggressive behaviour compared to many other species.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their ability to undertake significant altitudinal migrations, survive harsh alpine conditions, and maintain active foraging behaviour in challenging environments demonstrates solid endurance. Their capacity to raise multiple broods when conditions permit also suggests good stamina.

Diet

The Citril Finch primarily feeds on small seeds from conifers, especially spruce and pine. They also consume seeds from various plants, such as dandelions and thistles.

During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with small insects and spiders, particularly when feeding their young.

Behaviour

Citril Finches are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They have an agile flight pattern, characterised by undulating movements.

When foraging, they skilfully cling to conifer cones and branches, extracting seeds with their specialised beaks.

Vocalisation

The Citril Finch's song is a pleasant, high-pitched warbling trill, often described as 'tsi-tsi-tsi-tsrrrrr'. Their call is a sharp, metallic 'tsit' or 'tswit', frequently given in flight.

During courtship, males produce a more elaborate and continuous version of their song.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Citril Finches typically begins in late April or early May. Males perform courtship displays, including singing and aerial chases, to attract females. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.

Nests are built by the female, usually in conifer trees, well-concealed among dense branches. The nest is a compact cup made of twigs, grass, and moss, lined with feathers and plant down. The female lays 3-5 pale blue eggs with dark spots.

Incubation lasts about 13 days, primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 15-17 days. Pairs may raise two broods in a season if conditions are favourable.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While the Citril Finch is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces potential threats from climate change affecting its alpine habitats.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving high-altitude coniferous forests and monitoring population trends in response to environmental changes.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

500,000 - 565,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Citril Finches in high-altitude coniferous forests and alpine meadows
Listen for their distinctive trilling call, which can help locate them in dense vegetation
Observe their feeding behaviour on conifer cones and seed heads of plants
Visit suitable habitats in the Alps or Pyrenees during the summer months for the best chances of sighting

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Alpine Citril Finch

Family:

Fringillidae

Average Lifespan

5 years

Max Lifespan

5.7 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators of Citril Finches include small raptors such as Sparrowhawks and Merlins, as well as corvids like Jays and Magpies.

Did You Know?

Citril Finches have specialised beaks adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones.
They can survive in areas with winter temperatures as low as -20°C.
Despite their small size, some Citril Finches undertake altitudinal migrations of over 1,000 meters.

References

1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Carduelis citrinella (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22720062A111124877.
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4
journalArticle, 2006: Moller, Sociality, age at first reproduction and senescence: comparative analyses of birds, J Evol Biol, 19:682-689
View source