Fun Greenfinch Facts For Kids

There are a total of six species of greenfinches. Namely the European greenfinch (scientific name Chloris chloris), black-headed greenfinch (Chloris ambigua), gray capped greenfinch also known as oriental greenfinch (Chloris sinica), Bonin greenfinch (scientific name Chloris kittlitzi), Vietnamese greenfinch (Chloris monguilloti), and yellow-breasted greenfinch also known as (Chloris spinoides).

They are seen in countries like the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.

Greenfinches are sociable birds and love residing in the woods and hedges. Predators include snakes, larger birds, and foxes. They are not so rare and are seen widely. Finches feed on a herbivorous diet primarily and consume seeds and insects occasionally.

They have short lifespans and spend their time foraging for food and flying from one place to another. They can be found in different locations all year round. They are known as garden birds and can be found in rural and urban gardens in multiple regions.

For more relatable content, check out purple finch facts and Cuban solenodon facts.

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Greenfinch Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a greenfinch?

The greenfinch is a type of bird that has conical bills, yellow patches, and wing feathers.  

What class of animal does a greenfinch belong to?

The greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, is a type of bird that belongs to class Aves, family Fringillidae, and genus Chloris.  

How many Greenfinches are there in the world?

Greenfinches' population size declined from 4.3 million to around 2.8 million. In the UK alone there are 1,700,000 Carduelis chloris breeding pairs of birds.

Where does a Greenfinch live?

The greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, lives in grasslands, countrysides, and gardens. This bird is seen in countries including UK, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

This bird resides close to regions where it can easily find food to forage on one such place includes gardens. It is migratory and migrates from Northern Europe, that is, British territory over both seasons and parts of Belgium, Denmark, and Germany.

What is a greenfinch's habitat?

Greenfinches' habitat constitutes grasslands, countrysides, and gardens. During winter they move towards the countryside and parklands or garden for food. They travel in flocks and form flocks with other finches. They build their nest in a tree or bush.

Who do greenfinches live with?

Greenfinches live in loose colonies, evergreen shrubs which are perfect sites for the placement of their nest. They are rarely spotted as solitary birds.

How long does a greenfinch live?

The average lifespan of a greenfinch is two years. The maximum lifespan such species can have is of 12 years. Life expectancy depends on their diet, habitat, and environment.  

How do they reproduce?

Male adult greenfinches are more brightly colored than adult females. These reside in loose colonies and form four to six nests during the breeding season. For nesting purposes, they prefer evergreen shrubs. Nesting occurs in using nests built of twigs, grass, and moss. Breeding begins in April and adult females lay about three to eight eggs per clutch.

The incubation period lasts between 12-14 days post-breeding. The juveniles hatch post the incubation period and are extremely small in size. The eggs are smooth, glossy white, and have blackish markings. Adult females are more involved in raising the young. Nesting may occur multiple times.

What is their conservation status?

Greenfinches are classified as Least Concern by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature IUCN red list of Threatened species. Information related to the population or other information is available online on the IUCN website.

Greenfinch Fun Facts

What do greenfinches look like?

Greenfinches are yellow and green-colored birds. Male birds are usually more brightly colored as compared to female birds. This is primarily due to sexual dimorphism. Females too possess the green and yellow colors but are duller in appearance as compared to males. Greenfinches have a conical beak and dark-colored eyes.

All types of greenfinches vary slightly in coloration and size but have a green coloration mostly hence their name. Their wingspan is about 10.2 in (26 cm). They have yellow and green in their wings and tail. Their tail is usually short as compared to other birds who have relatively long tails.

They have an overall dull olive-green plumage along with yellow coloration. Their plumage is also striped slightly. They usually have light-colored feet.

How cute are they?

They are extremely cute and adorable birds. They are popularly known as garden birds since they are frequent garden visitors.

It's best to observe them from a distance. They are known to use their flight instinct if they detect any threat. The European greenfinch is a resident of Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.

European greenfinch may migrate during the winter months as well hence it's likely to spot them in different regions. Just like the European greenfinch other species of greenfinch too are seen in other regions of Asia, Africa, and other continents.

How do they communicate?

Greenfinch birds are effective communicators. They communicate both while in flight and while sitting on the bark of a tree with a 'dzweeeee' or a 'chichichichichit'. Their voice is mostly melodious and not screeching. They communicate both via song and calls.

The song flight of the cock is unique and distinctive. Their song consists of twitters. The song is sweet to hear. Courtship calls are separate which are predominantly seen in male greenfinch birds. Female finches communicate less during courtship.

How big is a greenfinch?

The greenfinch bird is 5.9 in (15 cm) in length which is times two bigger than Fischer's lovebird which measures 3.5 in (9 cm).

How fast can a greenfinch fly?

The exact flying speed of the greenfinch birds is not evaluated. All species of greenfinches fly at relatively moderate speeds. The fastest flying bird is a peregrine falcon.

How much does a greenfinch weigh?

These birds weigh 0.06 lb (28 g). They feed on sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. They are primarily herbivores but are also known to consume insects in some instances.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Males and females are not addressed differently. Males are more brightly colored as compared to females. Males and females also differ in reproductive functions and adult females are more involved in breeding.

What would you call a baby greenfinch?

The baby greenfinch is called a chick just like other bird species. Juveniles are voracious feeders and rely on their parents for food and shelter through the breeding periods. The young birds are fed food including insects as well as seeds.

What do they eat?

They feed on an omnivorous diet. Their diet consists of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. They also feed on insects in some instances.

These feeders feed on insects including beetles and flies. They feed multiple times of the day. They are sunflower pests to farmers who grow them for which they use protective cover and other such measures to prevent them from spoiling their produce.

Are they dangerous?

No, these birds are not dangerous. These birds however were affected by trichomonosis which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Trichomonosis can cause severe health problems.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, the European greenfinch, also known as the British green birds, and other birds are adopted as pets. The British birds may cost up to $121.99.

The British greenfinch is a sociable bird however, you need to be careful while handling them. It's important to ensure regular visits to the vet to ensure they are free from any form of the virus. If you are considering adoption, you could also consider other friendly birds like green parakeets.

As pets, you could feed them seeds like pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and other similar seeds. Garden feeders can spot them easily.

Did you know...

All local names for these garden birds make reference to their color. This list includes green grosbeak and green linnet.

Trichomonosis-affected birds are puffed up, lethargic, and face difficulty in swallowing food. Birds suffering may have to endure pain for long since death can take multiple days or even weeks.  

Different types of greenfinch

There are a total of six species of greenfinches, namely, the European greenfinch found in the UK, black-headed greenfinch found in Myanmar and Vietnam, gray capped greenfinch found in East Asia, Bonin greenfinch spotted in Bonin Islands, Vietnamese greenfinch from Vietnam, and yellow-breasted greenfinch also known as are seen in northern parts of India.

Most of the species are more or less the same, that is, have green coloration but they differ in size and shape.

Are greenfinches recovering?

Greenfinches were affected by a disease called Trichomonosis which is a parasitic infection. Birds affected with trichomonosis can experience increased salivation and vomiting. Trichomonosis disease spreads due to dirty birdbaths.

It specifically affects breeding birds and others as well. They visit garden feeders frequently.

This rarely affects humans however, it's best to wear protective gear while handling them to avoid any transmission. This disease cannot survive long once it's away from its host. The greenfinch population declined in the year 1970-1980 due to Trichomonosis disease and increased subsequently during 1990.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our song thrush facts and western meadowlark facts pages.  

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our Greenfinch coloring pages.