Greenfinch  (Carduelis chloris)

Male greenfinch on pussy willow
Male greenfinch on pussy willow
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Facts

Also known as:European greenfinch
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Genus Carduelis (1)
Size Length: 14 – 16 cm (2)
Wingspan: 24.5-27.5 cm (3)
Weight 81-96 g (3)
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Status

Included in the Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List (medium conservation concern) (4).

Description

The greenfinch 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).

Range

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

Display NBN Map ButtonYou can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

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).

Biology

This finch uses its powerful bill to break open seeds, which it feeds on throughout the year (5). In winter they 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).

Threats

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

Conservation

Conservation action has not been targeted at this common species.

Find out more

For more on British birds see the RSPB website:
http://www.rspb.org.uk

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January2004):
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn
  2. Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterström, D. & Grant, P.J. (1999) Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London.
  3. RSPB A-Z of Birds: Greenfinch (February 2004):
    http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/g/greenfinch/index.asp
  4. British Trust for Ornithology/ JNCC- breeding birds in the wider countryside: greenfinch (February 2004):
    http://www.bto.org/birdtrends
  5. Holden, P. & Sharrock, J.T.R. (2002) The RSPB Guide to British Birds.. Pan Macmillan, London.
  6. Lack. P. (1986) The Atlas of wintering birds in Britain and Ireland.. T & A D Poyser Ltd, London.