How do you recognize the greenfinch? What does it feed on and how can you give it additional support? We answer these and other questions in our large fact sheet about the green finch.
The Greenfinch (Chloris chloris or Carduelis chloris), also known as the Greenfinch, is a songbird that is widespread throughout Europe. Here, too, it is a frequent guest in open landscapes, parks and gardens. With its beautiful green and yellow plumage, it is a real eye-catcher and easy to spot even for the inexperienced bird watcher. However, the greenfinches had a very unlucky year in 2009: a disease called trichomoniasis affected large parts of the population and caused the death of around 80,000 animals. Fortunately, the disease was contained and the stocks have recovered well since then. Nevertheless, sick or dead animals should be reported to NABU and feeding stations and bird baths should be cleaned regularly, otherwise they could become a transmission point for infectious diseases. You can find more interesting - and more enjoyable - information about greenfinches in our species portrait below.
Greenfinch: Profile
| Size | About 15 cm |
| Weight | About 35g |
| Incubation | April - June |
| Lifetime | About 5 years |
| Habitat | Open landscapes, parks and gardens |
| Food Preference | Plant seeds, leaf and flower buds |
| Threats | Habitation Loss, Trichomona |
How do you recognize the greenfinch?
The greenfinch is a fairly large, compact songbird. It is characterized by the strong triangular beak typical of finches and its intensely colored plumage. The head, back, belly and wings are bright green interspersed with gray and yellow elements. Another special feature are the bright yellow wing bars, by which the green body can be recognized without a doubt even in flight.Due to this characteristic colouring, the greenfinch should not be confused with any other native bird.
What does the greenfinch song sound like?
The song of the greenfinch consists of two very different components. The first is a fairly melodic stanza of wild trills and rapid whistles. The second is a long drawn out "Dschüüüüi", which is performed in combination with the rest or individually.
The greenfinch song sounds like this:
What does the young greenfinch look like?
Young greens can already be clearly recognized by the strong finch beak and the yellow wing bar. In contrast to the adult animals, however, the plumage of the young birds is not yet as intensely green in color and is traversed by faint gray lines.
How to recognize greenfinch eggs?
The greenfinch's eggs are white in color and covered with small reddish to brownish speckles. Four to six eggs are laid in a nest made of twigs, grass and moss, which is lined with small roots and animal hair.
How do greenfinch females and males differ?
Female and male greenfinches look very similar at first glance. Only on closer inspection does it become apparent that the female is not as intensely green in color as the male. Mrs. Greenfinch has a slightly browner or more greyish base tone than her partner. The exact color can vary depending on the light and the difference between the sexes is best seen in direct comparison - as in the image below.
What is the bird's preferred habitat?
Greenfinches prefer semi-open habitats. These range from light forests, forest edges and clearings to groups of trees in cultural landscapes to city parks, cemeteries and gardens. Green finches are also multi-latitude distributed, found throughout Europe and adjacent parts of Africa and Asia.
Where does the greenfinch build its nest?
Greenlings use any form of woody accumulation as a nesting place - be it trees, shrubs or even climbing plants on the facades of houses. The green finches do not nest in intimate togetherness, but are found in small colonies of up to sixbreeding pairs together. Together they vehemently defend their territory and the nests within against competing conspecifics and predators.
When is the greenfinch breeding season?
The breeding season of greenfinches lasts from April to June. Between one and three broods may be possible during this period. The female incubates the eggs for 10 to 14 days after they are laid. Meanwhile, the male feeds it. After hatching, the defenseless young birds are kept safe and warm by the female under her wings for a few more days. This behavior is also referred to as "Hudern". After that, the young are fed by both parents with soaked seeds.
What does the greenfinch do in winter?
Greenfinches are also extremely sociable outside of the breeding season. In winter they often travel in small swarms together with other finches or buntings and look for food together. They also form sleeping communities to keep each other warm. Our native populations therefore do not fly south, but it is not uncommon for winter visitors from more northern parts of Europe to be present or observed on their way to more southern regions.
So you can support the greenfinches in the garden
Due to the increasing loss of natural habitats, such as half-open landscapes and sparse forests, the greenfinch is increasingly retreating to city parks and settlements. If you want to offer the little green birds a home in your own garden, you will find practical tips for designing a greenfinch paradise here.
What does the greenfinch eat?
Greenfinches are very vegetarian. They consume a wide variety of plant and tree seeds, which they split open with their powerful beak. But berry-bearing bushes, such as rose hips, are also an important source of food.
If you want to add something to the feed in winter, you can lay out all kinds of seeds, such as sunflower seeds. Our Plantura sunflower seeds have the advantage that they come without the shell and can therefore be ingested by the birds without any additional effort. They also contain an extra load of vitamins, iodine and honey for a better supply of nutrients.
The feed should be protected from the rain and offered in such a way that the birds cannot sit inside. Because contamination of the feed with feces can lead to infection with diseases. Valuable maintenance tipsYou can find the best way to construct a bird feeder in our special article on “Building a bird feeder yourself”.
Which nesting aids are suitable for finches?
Classic nesting boxes with small entrance openings are not suitable for greenfinches, because the colorful birds are free breeders and therefore prefer open nests. Instead, you can attach so-called branch pockets. To do this, take bundles of branches - preferably from evergreen conifers - and tie them in a loop to a tree trunk. You can also ensure natural nesting sites by not thinning out your hedges too much or by allowing vines to crawl up the house wall.
How can you support greenfinches?
If you not only want to provide the greenfinch with additional food in winter, but also want to increase the food supply in summer, you can achieve this with a number of seed and berry-bearing plants. You can find a selection of these valuable plants in our special article on “Designing a bird-friendly garden”.
Grain eaters like the greenfinch are also always dependent on an adequate supply of water. A simple bird bath in the form of a trivet or a flat bowl, which also serves as a practical bird bath on hot days, can help. Regular cleaning is also important here to prevent the transmission of diseases. Incidentally, many other garden birds like the fieldfare or the chiffchaff are also happy about such a refreshment.