Greenfinchs in Austria
When the Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) is present in Austria, when it nests, and which native Austria plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Austria
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–July
- Size
- 15 cm, 28 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect greenfinchs in Austria
The Greenfinch lives in Austria all year round. Cold, snowy winters, especially at altitude.
Continental and Alpine; most of the country is mountainous.
Nesting in Austria
In Austria the Greenfinch usually nests April–July. Nest site: cup in dense shrubs or conifers. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days; chicks fledge after 13–16 days, and pairs raise 2 per year.
- The Greenfinch does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Austria plants for greenfinchs
Of the native plants we track for Austria, these 8 provide food the Greenfinch uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Seeds; also hips and berries.
- Best foods: Sunflower hearts, Black sunflower seed.
- Feeders: Tube feeder.
- Numbers crashed after trichomonosis — clean feeders weekly and pause feeding for two weeks if you see sick birds.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are greenfinchs in Austria all year?
Yes — the Greenfinch is resident in Austria all year.
When do greenfinchs nest in Austria?
Typically April–July. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help greenfinchs in Austria?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Austria and provide food or cover the Greenfinch uses.
Greenfinchs in other countries
Other garden birds in Austria
Sources
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.