Greenfinch
Least ConcernChloris chloris
Visual Identification
Greenfinch
Appearance
The Greenfinch is a robust, small finch with distinctive olive-green plumage. Males display brighter yellow-green hues on their breast and rump, with striking yellow patches on their wings and tail. The stout cone-shaped, pale pink beak is a key identifying feature.
Females are duller and have little to no green plumage, with more brown tones and less yellow. Both sexes have pinkish legs and small dark eyes.
Juveniles resemble females but have streaked underparts. Winter plumage in both sexes is slightly duller than breeding plumage.
Size
Length
14cm to 16cm
Wingspan
24cm to 28cm
Weight
25g to 35g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Greenfinches inhabit a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, parks, and farmland across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They prefer areas with a mix of trees and open spaces for foraging.
In the UK, they are widespread residents, while in northern parts of their range, some populations migrate south for winter. They have also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand, where they have established successful populations.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Greenfinches primarily feed on seeds, with a particular fondness for sunflower seeds and other large seeds. They also consume buds, berries, and insects, especially when feeding their young. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open tough seeds that smaller finches cannot manage.
These birds forage everywhere, from the ground to upper tree branches, for seeds, flowers, buds, and fruits of many plant species, including bramble, yew, and rosehip.
Behaviour
Greenfinches are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They have a distinctive undulating flight pattern and are known for their acrobatic feeding habits, often hanging upside down on feeders. During courtship, males perform elaborate flight displays, soaring and gliding to attract females.
Vocalisation
The Greenfinch's song is a mix of trills and twitters, often ending with a distinctive wheezing 'dzweee' sound. Their call is a sharp 'tswee' or 'tswit'. During flight, they make a characteristic 'chichichichichi' sound.
Males sing more frequently during the breeding season, often from prominent perches or during display flight. Listen out for this pleasant but disjointed song from January to the end of summer and particularly from March to July.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Greenfinches typically begins in April. Males attract females with their song and flight displays, often chasing potential mates in flight. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are built by the female in shrubs or trees, usually 2-3 meters above ground. The nest is a neat cup made of twigs, moss, and grass, lined with fine roots and hair. The female lays 4-6 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, and it is mainly performed by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13-16 days. Greenfinches often raise two broods per season.
Lifespan
years
The Greenfinch typically lives for 2 to 3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Greenfinch populations in some areas, particularly the UK, have faced significant declines due to trichomonosis, a parasitic disease. Conservation efforts focus on garden hygiene, especially cleaning bird feeders regularly to prevent disease spread.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Greenfinches in gardens, parks, and woodland edges
- Listen for their distinctive wheezing call, often given from treetops
- Observe feeders, especially those with sunflower seeds
- Watch for their characteristic undulating flight pattern
- In the UK, participate in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch to contribute to Greenfinch monitoring
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
European Greenfinch
Family:
FringillidaePredators
Main predators include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Nests may be raided by magpies, jays, and squirrels.
Did You Know?
- Greenfinches can open their beaks with enough force to crack open tough seeds.
- They are one of the few finches that feed their young with regurgitated seeds rather than insects.
- In some areas, Greenfinches have learned to mimic the sounds of other birds, including alarm calls.
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FAQs
How do I attract Greenfinches to my garden?
Greenfinches are regular visitors to garden bird feeders, where they relish sunflower seeds and peanuts. You can also attract these boisterous back-garden birds by setting up a birdbath or other shallow water features for drinking and bathing.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Chloris chloris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22720330A132000123.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC