European Greenfinch

(Carduelis Chloris)

Common Names: European Greenfinch, Greenfinch

Description: The European Greenfinch in it's normal form has a olive green body with bright yellow primary feathers and black secondary feathers on the wings. The inner tail feathers are also black with the outer tail feathers being yellow. The , The bill is ivory, eyes are light brown and its legs are a pale pink. The female has a brownish sheen over green and has dull yellow compared to the males bright yellow.

Size: These are stout birds which normaly range about 5.5-6 inches (14-16cm).

Origin: The European Greenfinch originated in Europe, Asia, North Africa and later was introduced to Australia.

Mutations/Sub-species: Several color mutations are now established including Lutino, Cinnamon and Isabel.

Diet: A good Greenfinch diet must include a mixture of millets, canary grass seeds, wild seeds and green food . These birds are especially fond of Safflower, Thistle and sprouted seeds. They will require more green food when breeding. While they are not as insectivorous as some birds they do enjoy live food. Ant eggs, small mealworms, waxworms and fruit fly larva can be mixed in with soft food and offered on occasion. Fresh water, cuttlebone and grit should also be supplied at all times. Lettuce, Spinach, Chickweed, Spray Millet, Eggfood, Brocolli tops and Carrot tops can also be offered on a regular basis.

General Care: Generaly hardy and easy to care for this species loves to bath and needs fresh bath water daily.

Compatibility: European Greenfinches can be kept in a mixed aviary with birds of similar size or in individual pairs.

Housing: Many Greenfinches are house in individual breeding cages much like Canaries. However, they will thrive in a large planted aviary with plenty of room to fly and sing.

Song: Males have a sharp Canary-like song. Hens do make call or warning sounds but do not sing. Click the button below to hear the male European Greenfinch song.

Breeding: Establish Greenfinch pairs can be very free breeders. They will breed in a good size cage or flight normaly from October to January. They prefer a Canary type nest positioned in a high sheltered spot such as the corner of a cage. Artifical plant covering around the nest will provide them with the nest privacy they need. Nesting material supplied can be dried moss, feathers, or soft Canary nesting material. The average clutch consist of 4-6 eggs which hatch after 14-17 days. The hen incubates the eggs alone for the most part while the male guards the nest. After the eggs hatch it is important to supply the parents with adequate Teasel, greenfood, eggfood and livefood. The young, brown streaked Greenfinches will fledge around 2 weeks old. The male then assumes feeding responsibilities until the young are weaned.

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