European Greenfinch

Chloris chloris

Genus · Greenfinches Family · Finches, Euphonias, and Allies

Observation tips Difficulty: EASY

Best time

🕒 Any

Activity

☀️ Diurnal

Best months

Observation habitat

FarmlandGardenUrban

Listen for the long, wheezing 'dzwee' note from the top of a tall evergreen tree. At feeders, identify them by their heavy bill and olive-green tone.

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats

Wingspan24–28 cm

Weight25–34 g

Length14–16 cm

Lifespan wild2–12 yrs

Size

Nesting

Nest typeCup

Clutch size4–6 eggs

Incubation12–14 days

Breeding months

Regional Status (Europe)

Least Concern (Europe)

IUCN Red List

MigrationPartial migratory

Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Granivore

🫐Berries

🦗Insects

🍃Plants

🌻Seeds

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🌲 Forest coniferous🏡 Garden🍎 Orchard🏙️ Urban

✦ Fun Fact

The Greenfinch is one of the few birds capable of eating yew tree seeds. It carefully avoids the highly toxic red fleshy part of the fruit.

About

A stocky finch with a thick bill designed for cracking tough seeds. It is predominantly olive-green with bright yellow flashes on the wings and tail. Greenfinches are common in gardens, parks, and agricultural edges. They prefer areas with tall hedges and evergreens. Populations have recently faced challenges due to avian diseases.

Behaviour

Greenfinches are social but assertive at bird feeders. They often dominate smaller birds like tits. During the breeding season, the male performs a 'butterfly' display flight. He circles his territory with slow, deep wingbeats while singing. Their song is a pleasant medley of trills punctuated by a characteristic buzzing 'dzwee' note.