European greenfinch, also called greenfinch, is a small bird of the finch species, having a resemblance to a house sparrow in terms of size. Having a characteristic thick, conical pinkish bill, the greenfinch can easily crack hard seed shells. These birds are known to target ripening seeds of crops, particularly radish, rapeseed, linseed, and cereal crops. These popular songbirds are trapped, domesticated, and bred in Malta.
European Greenfinch
Scientific Classification |
|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Chloris |
| Scientific Name | Chloris chloris |
Quick Information |
|
| Other Names | Greenie, Green Linnet |
| Size | 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length |
| Weight | 25-28 g (0.8-0.98 oz) |
| Wingspan | 24.5-27.5 cm |
| Color | Green plumage in males with yellow in their tail and wings; duller plumage in females and juvenile birds with brown tones on their back |
| Distribution | South West Asia, north Africa, and throughout Europe; introduced into New Zealand and Australia |
| Habitat | Woodland edges as well as man-modified habitats like gardens, suburban parks, orchards, pine plantations, scrub, and farmland |
| Song | A combination of trilling twitters and wheezes with the males uttering a “dzweee” call during the breeding period |
| Clutch | 3-6 Eggs |
| Brooding time | After 13-14 days from incubation |
| Fledging | 16-18 days of age |
| Lifespan | 10 years (maximum) |
| Diet | Feed on berries, seeds, plant matter, and occasionally on insects |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Mutations
Color mutations like Isabel, cinnamon, pastel, agate and lutino are now established in greenfinches.
Pet care
Since European greenfinches are easy to look after, they can be kept by inexperienced bird owners. However, they need greater care during their breeding season.
European Greenfinch Pictures
European Greenfinch Bird
Cage setup
Just like canaries, these finches are usually kept in individual breeding enclosures or cages, but they prefer to live in large flights and planted aviaries, especially during mating season. To provide them with perching spots, evergreen plants with branches can be positioned inside their cages.
Nest
A canary nest or nesting pan can be placed in a sheltered spot high up inside the cage with a covering of artificial plants to provide the birds with the privacy they need while breeding. Soft nesting materials like feathers and dried moss can be placed inside the enclosure to help the hens build their nests that act as the ideal place for incubating the eggs.
European Greenfinch Nest
Temperature
Since these birds are native to European countries, they are resistant to cold climates. However, adequate shelter should be provided to protect them from extreme conditions.
Temperament
Since greenfinches live cheerfully with other birds, they are usually kept in individual pairs or with birds of other species having similar size. They imitate their behavior in the wild where they flock with other buntings and finches.
Feeding
Greenfinches like feeding on seed mixes along with egg food, chickweed, and dandelion. They also enjoy green food, canary grass seeds, and seeds of Sunflower, Safflower, and Thistle. They can be occasionally provided with fruit fly larva, waxworms, and ant eggs along with soft food.
European Greenfinch Eggs
European Greenfinch Chicks
Bathing
A European greenfinch loves to bathe in clean, fresh water contained in dishes positioned inside the enclosure. Regular bathing in water helps to keep them clean and healthy.
Health problems
Young greenfinches are often infected by a parasite known as “Atoxoplasma”, affecting the birds’ gut lining that prevents them from eating or drinking properly. To prevent the disease from spreading, add 6 drops of sulpha drugs into their drinker for five days. The young birds may occasionally show signs of “going light” with puffed up appearance and reduced weight due to persistent illness.
Price
A pair of European greenfinches will cost about £60 or $75.
European Greenfinch Images
European Greenfinch Photos
Interesting facts
- The greenies can be hybridized with canaries to produce infertile chicks that are commonly referred to as mules.
- In spring, the male birds perform a dancing display flight, resembling butterflies to flaunt their yellow feathers among the olive-green coloration.
References
Loving the Forum and Blogs!
good finch, I love it