European Greenfinch

Chloris chloris

Olive-and-yellow seed cracker with a wheezy, drawn-out call. Delivers messages with a sigh.

Population: 48–74 million mature individuals globally (2012 estimate; Europe ~90% of the global range)
Habitat: Edges of lowland/deciduous/mixed forest, woodland plantations, copses, orchards, hedgerows, parks, churchyards, and gardens including urban areas; open fields and marshes outside the breeding season
Fun fact: During courtship the male performs a slow, bat-like "butterfly" display flight with exaggerated, fluttering wingbeats, circling around the female while showing off the bright yellow flashes in his wings and tail.
Range: Widespread across Europe, North Africa, and southwest/central Asia; northern populations partially migratory, southern/western populations largely resident; introduced populations established in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Uruguay
Diet: Seeds, berries, fruit, buds, and flowers, with some arthropods taken especially when feeding young; forages both in trees/shrubs and on the ground
Size: 0.15 m
Wingspan: 0.26 m
Lifespan: 13 years

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