Taxonomy/Origins: The European Greenfinch is found throughout the UK, Europe and Northern Africa, although it is absent from the Northernmost parts of Scandinavia. The European Greenfinch can also be found in New Zealand and some territories of Australia where it was introduced, along with other familiar songbirds, by immigrants to provide them with some reminders of home.
These birds are likely to be encountered in wooded locations and cultivated areas such as farmland, parks and gardens.
Subspecies: A number of subspecies exist including the Black Headed Greenfinchand the Himalayan Greenfinch.
Plumage Colouration: In the wild form the cock is generally olive green on the head and back with greyish cheeks. The underparts are lighter coloured being more yellow.and there are noticeable yellow areas on the tail and on the wing flights. The hen is similar but less striking than the cock being altogether browner.
Juveniles are similar to the female but have a pattern of mottling on the back and sides.
In captivity a number of colour mutations have been achieved including cinnamon, lutino, silver or agate and pied.
Sexing: The birds are generally easy to sex given the generally more colourful appearance of the cocks. The cock birds when in breeding condition will also sing and produce a zwee sound. In my experience the cocks will also be seen driving the hens to nest. Most nest building appears to be carried out by the hens.
Feeding: The European Greenfinch's dietary needs can be met largely with a good quality British Finch mix and there are nowadays, proprietary Greenfinch mixes available. I tend towards the Brish Finch mix however with the addition of safflower and sunflower. In the winter months additional hemp and niger can also be added.
Greenfood, soaked seed and egg food will all be taken readily. Cuttlefish bone will be taken by the hens and in the build up to and during the breeding season this can be powdered and added to the eggfood. Additionally a supply of grit, I use Oystershell, and freshwater, for drinking and bathing should be available at all times. Drinking and bathing water should be replenished at least daily, more often during hot weather and when the young have fledged.
Housing: The European Greenfinch can be housed in a cage or outside flight. Minimum cage size for a pair would be 36" x 18" x 18" or there abouts. An average canary double breeder would do.
I have read that Greenfinches can be housed in mixed flights, but in my experience the cocks can become aggressive and make life miserable for other smaller occupants. So be vigilant in mixed collections.
Breeding: European Greenfinches are generally ready to breed from the end of March onwards. I have housed breeding pairs in both outdoor flights and indoor double breeders.
My outdoor flights measure 6' x 2' and house a single breeding pair. The floors are covered in woodchip which allows the birds to forage for insects etc. Cover in the form of soft evergreen branches wound around wire framing in the shape of a cone will provide a nesting site. Last year I used an ornamental semi circular hanging basket to great effect.
It is important to remember that chicks will require to be rung, at around 5 - 7 days, for showing purposes or for sale and accordingly it is advisable to ensure the nest and its contents are easily removable.
Nesting material in the form of coconut fibre, cut to 5" lengths, dried grass and various small twigs and moss should be provided. All should be provided damp for ease of use.
The nest is quite bulky and generally well constructed and deeply cupped.
Clutches range from 4 to 6, an egg being laid each day and incubation will begin usually after the third egg has been laid. Chicks will hatch around 13 to 14 days later and often egg shell will be found on the floor. Rearing foods include soaked seed, eggfood and greenfoods, chicks will fledge after about 21 days.
In the double breeder canary nest pans can be used to good effect. Cover should be provided and I have used sacking draped across the cage front to provide the birds with privacy.
Hints/tips: The main difficulty in breeding European Greenfinches is bringing the youngsters through their first moult. The reason for this is that they are likely to succumb to a wasting disease which inevitably proves fatal. The exact cause of this I have not discovered as yet, however it is termed in the British Bird fancy as "going light". Most breeders now recommend the use of "sulpha" type drugs which have been produced to deal with the symptoms and losses associated with coccidial infection in the poultry industry. These drugs are very effective in fighting the symptoms of "going light" and will prevent otherwise heavy losses.
Information on the drugs used to the best effect should be sought from fellow bird keepers among the British fancy as they will have a tried and tested regime.
Unique Characteristics: The European Greenfinch is in its natural form an extremely attractive bird with the cocks displaying deep vibrant green hues which contrast well with the bright yellow flight and tail feathers.
They make the most tremendous sound when in condition but not so that they would cause any nuisance to neighbours. They are prolific layers, commonly filling the full clutch and make excellent parents. Assuming the problems of "going light" are dealt with then they will provide endless enjoyment.
As previously stated there are a number of colour mutations available including cinammon, lutino,silver or agate and pied. Most of these are sex linked and the expected outcomes from matings are well documented.
The modern "show" type Greenfinch is much larger than its wild counterparts and as a consequence the vibrancy of the colours have dulled somewhat. Hopefully this will be adressed in future and more emphasis will be attributed to the colour.
I have kept and shown birds for a couple of years now and have enjoyed every minute. In this short time I have enjoyed the company of various types of canaries, British hardbills and latterly even a few foreigners have found their way into the shed. In this time I have learned more than I ever imagined was possible and find myself recommending aviculture as a hobby to any one who cares to listen.
Feel free to get in touch with any further questions. You can contact me via the FF Forum my username is 'gregd'.
