Greenfinches

The European greenfinch, Chloris chloris, is a passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is a widespread and common resident breeder in Europe and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia. The greenfinch is a small to medium-sized finch, measuring around 15 cm in length. Males are bright green with a yellow rump and wing bars, while females are duller olive-green. Both sexes have a stout, conical bill.

Greenfinches are typically found in gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, and parks. They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, buds, berries, and insects. During the breeding season, they construct cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs and lay clutches of 4-7 eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding the young.

The song of the male greenfinch is a varied and cheerful warble, often interspersed with harsh trills. Their call is a distinctive 'chew-chew-chew'. Greenfinches are generally social birds, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Their population has seen some fluctuations in recent years, with concerns about diseases affecting finch species. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats and monitoring population health.