Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

The Greenfinch is part of the finch family with the latter part of its Latin name (chloris) being derived from the bird’s greenish colour.  The male is distinguishable from the females and younglings as it is generally brighter green: both sexes have yellow tints at the edges of their tail and wings. 

A social bird with other species and its own although it can be know to quarrel with other birds; from my observations it is a bird that I have always seen feeding either in pairs or groups.  There is a distinctive change in pitch to the greenfinch’s song of trills and chirrups.

Greenfinch on feeder

Length

14-16cm

Location

Found widely as residents across the UK apart and as summer visitors in North and West Scotland.  They are usually not found in highland areas but can be found throughout the countryside in natural vegetated areas and generally in town and city gardens where there is a supply of food.

When can I see Greenfinches?

All year round in the UK expect in North and West Scotland where they can be seen in the summer.

What food do Greenfinches eat?
Food (Natural)

Seeds from many weeds such as Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Stellaria media (Chickweed). Fruits from Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and Alnus glutinosa (Alder). Insects are generally fed to juveniles

Food (Bought)

Seeds; sunflower seeds are suitable with the black sunflower seed being the most popular and nuts such as peanuts

Standard seed and nut feeders - use specific nut feeders instead of the mesh nylon bags.

Greenfinch yearly feeding pattern

Breeding

When do Greenfinches breed?
Breeding starts in April.

Where do Greenfinches Breed?
Within dense shrubs.

What materials do Greenfinches use to make their nests?
Twigs, grass, roots and feathers.

How many eggs do Greenfinches lay in a clutch?
Between 4 and 5.

How long do the eggs take to hatch?
Between 12 and 14 days.

How many broods do Greenfinches have each year?
Generally 2

Residency

The European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) generally becomes resident to a particular area and they are found in Europe, North Africa and South-West Asia.  In the UK there are approximately 734,000 breeding pairs (Source RSPB).

How can gardeners help protect Greenfinches?

Plant natural flora and fauna which will provide Greenfinches with food, this is because much of this has been destroyed by intensive agriculture.