Greenfinch
Scientific Name: Carduelis chlorisMaltese Name: Verdun
Family: Finches (Fringillidae)
Occurence: Common, Rare Breeder
Breeds in Malta: Rare Breeder
Overview:
This bird is widespread throughout Europe, north Africa and south west Asia. It is mainly resident, but some northernmost populations migrate further south.
The Greenfinch is 15 cm in length with a wing span of 24.5-27.5 cm and is similar in size and shape to a House Sparrow, but is mainly green, with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains wheezes and twitters, and the male has a "butterfly" display flight.
Woodland edges, farmland hedges and gardens with relatively thick vegetation are favoured for breeding. It nests in trees or bushes, laying 3-8 eggs. This species can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other finches and buntings. They feed largely on seeds, but also take berries. The species name Chloris comes from the Greek Khloros meaning "yellowish-green"
Status:
Regular migrant in Autumn, smaller numbers in Spring and Winter. Influxes of this species may occur. Used to be widely trapped by bird trappers, some still are trapped illegaly.
When to See:
Early October till mid-April. Some are also seen in summer months.
Where to See:
Prefers open woodland and vallleys. Buskett is a good place to see this bird. Otherwise, fields with a plentiful supply of seeds are also good spots to see this bird.
Photographs:
 |
Male Greenfinch, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
 |
Male Greenfinch, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
Back to Bird Species List