Finches are delightful visitors to UK gardens and there are several species to spot. They are part of a colourful, lively family of seed-eating birds with conical-shaped beaks that are perfect for cracking even the toughest shells. Let’s take a look at the finches you might expect to arrive in your outdoor space, particularly if you provide feeders, shrubs, seed heads and water.
Goldfinch
• These beautiful birds are one of the most colourful of all our UK finches. They have a striking black and white head with a red face and bright yellow wing flashes.
• They are incredibly sociable and can often be spotted in noisy groups in the garden.
• Their natural diet is rich in seeds – teasel, thistle and dandelion.
• They love nyger seed and sunflower hearts from the feeder.
Greenfinch
• An olive green bird that is chunkier than the Goldfinch and with an impressively powerful beak.
• They tuck into larger seeds and sunflower hearts.
• Their numbers are in decline due to the spread of trichomonosis, so hygiene is vitally important when putting out food in feeders. Wash all feeding equipment on a regular basis and don’t forget to clean water stations too.
Chaffinch
• Probably one of our most widespread finches, the Chaffinch is instantly recognisable with its distinct colouring.
• Males have a pink toned breast with blue-grey heads, while females have softer, brown tones.
• They prefer to feed from the ground, directly under feeders, vacuuming up any spilled seeds.
Bullfinch
• A secretive finch that is harder to spot.
• Males have a vibrant russet-red underbelly, which is paler in the female.
• Both male and female have a wide black cap and chunky beak.
• Unlike the sociable Goldfinch, they tend to be found in pairs, rather than hanging around in small flocks.
• Buds on fruit trees and shrubs are their favourites.
Siskin
• These winter visitors are small and a streaky yellow colour.
• They’re agile and a dab-hand at taking food from feeders.
• They often mix with Goldfinch and Redpolls.
• Nyger seeds are their favourite.
Linnet
• A more infrequent visitor to the garden, they are more commonly seen on farmland and scrub.
• They are a slim bird with a wonderfully musical call.
• Breeding males have crimson breasts and foreheads.
Redpoll
• These tiny finch are an irregular visitor to the garden.
• They have little red caps and love birch and alder seeds.
• More likely to visit gardens in winter for any left over seed heads.
• They like nyger seeds and sunflower hearts