Greenfinch  (Carduelis chloris)

The greenfinch is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1). Included in the Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List (medium conservation concern) (4).

The greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) is a well-known bird as it often visits gardens (5) and drives other birds away from feeders (6). It is a relatively heavy looking bird, with a chunky bill and a stout body (5). It can be recognised by the yellow outer-most wing feathers (the primaries) which are visible when the bird is perching, the yellow flashes on the tail, seen easily when the bird is in flight, and the greenish underparts (2). Males have a yellowish-green breast and are much more yellow than the duller greyish female (2). Juveniles are similar to females, but are streaked (5). A twittering call is produced in flight; other vocalisations include a canary-like song and a wheezy, nasal ‘dschruuuuuh’ (2) (5).

Widespread and common throughout Britain. Elsewhere, the breeding range of the greenfinch extends throughout mainland Europe, north-western Africa and reaches east to Turkey (6).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Breeds in a very wide range of habitats including woodland edges, parks, gardens, conifer plantations and tall hedgerows (3) (2). The greenfinch is more likely to feed in fields and gardens in winter (3).

This finch uses its powerful bill to break open seeds, which it feeds on throughout the year (5). In winter the greenfinch may form groups with other finches and buntings (3), and as natural seed stocks dwindle at this time of year, they increasingly rely on artificial food sources, such as bird tables (6).

Greenfinches nest in small colonies in trees and bushes (2) and only defend a very small area around their nest. They sing and display in spring and have a characteristic wavering display flight that shows off their yellow wing and tail flashes (5). Between four and six eggs are produced per clutch, and incubation takes up to 15 days. The young are fully fledged 18 days after hatching (3).

The greenfinch is not threatened at present, and abundance has not changed significantly since the 1960s (4).

Conservation action has not been targeted at the greenfinch.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For more information on the greenfinch and other bird species:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org
• The RSPB:
  http://www.rspb.org.uk