Greenfinch

An attractive, olive-green bird, the greenfinch regularly visits birdtables and feeders in gardens. Look for a bright flash of yellow on its wings as it flies.

Scientific name

Chloris chloris

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: 15cm
Wingspan: 26cm
Weight: 28g
Average lifespan: 2 years

Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

Habitats

About

A common, large finch of gardens, parks, woodland and farmland, the greenfinch feeds on seeds, and will visit birdtables and feeders in gardens. In winter, they form flocks with other finches, and can be seen roaming the countryside and parklands for food. Greenfinches nest in small colonies in tree and bushes. In spring, they perform a display flight, showing off their yellow wing and tail patches. Between four and six eggs are produced and the chicks are fully fledged 18 days after hatching.

How to identify

Greenfinches are large, chunky finches that are mostly olive-green, but with a yellow patch on the wings and tail. Females are grey-green with less yellow.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

As well as being found in Europe, greenfinches also live in Australia and New Zealand, where they were introduced by English settlers to remind them of home.