Greenfinch

Carduelis chloris

The European population of this bird, is regarded as secure by BirdLife International.

As its name suggests, the Greenfinch is almost completely green all over. It has a yellow streaked tail and bright yellow wing patches and a stout pink bill to enable it to easily master breaking through seed husks.

The female is a lot duller than the male but still easily identified. Juveniles are also dull but have dark streaks on their underside, which distinguish them from the female.

Size: 14-15cm

Weight: 26-36g

Habitat: Can be found in most habitats but it favours the open areas in towns and suburban areas.

Nesting: April to August, hedges and bushes that provide dense cover. The nest is cup-shaped, often made of grass.

Eggs: 2-3 broods of 4-6 eggs which are pale with a few dark spots.

Food: Grain, peanuts, peanut cakes, fruits and insects in summer.

Call: A harsh and wheezy call often given from a high perch.

Characteristics: The Greenfinch is a common sight and can often be seen in flocks jostling aggressively for position on bird feeders and tables. Where seeds and other supplementary foods are offered all year round, Greenfinch often roost, nest and feed in the same garden.

Greenfinches do migrate, so the birds that you see in your garden in winter may not be the same as those in summer. This often causes confusion for garden feeders as their birds may suddenly take on completely different habits.