Its twittering and wheezing song, and flash of yellow and green as it flies, make this finch a truly colourful character. Nesting in a garden conifer, or feasting on black sunflower seeds, it is a regular garden visitor, able to take advantage of food in rural and urban gardens. Although quite sociable, they may squabble among themselves or with other birds at the bird table.
Key ID Features:
A large stout finch with a sturdy powerful ivory bill.
Generally all over green with yellowy breast and bright narrow yellow wing bars and tail edge.
males are brighter with females being slightly greyer green with paler underparts.
A dark patch between eye and bill gives it a rather aggressive 'frown'.
Overview
Scientific name: Carduelis chloris
Family: Finches (Fringillidae)
Where to see them:
A common countryside bird found in woods and hedges, but mostly found close to man on farmland and in parks, town and village gardens and orchards. Only absent from upland areas without trees and bushes.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Seeds and insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Photographer: Tim Tapley
