Greenfinchs in Scotland
When the Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) is present in Scotland, when it nests, and which native Scotland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Scotland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- May–July
- Size
- 15 cm, 28 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect greenfinchs in Scotland
The Greenfinch lives in Scotland all year round. Short days and regular snow inland; Scandinavian Bramblings, Fieldfares and Waxwings often arrive in numbers.
Cool maritime in the west, more continental and drier in the east; the Highlands are markedly colder.
Nesting in Scotland
In Scotland the Greenfinch usually nests May–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 Scotland plants for greenfinchs
Of the native plants we track for Scotland, 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 Scotland all year?
Yes — the Greenfinch is resident in Scotland all year.
When do greenfinchs nest in Scotland?
Typically May–July. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help greenfinchs in Scotland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Scotland and provide food or cover the Greenfinch uses.
Greenfinchs in other countries
Other garden birds in Scotland
Sources
- Greenfinch — RSPB bird guide
- Greenfinch — BTO BirdFacts
- Bird Atlas 2007–11 — British Trust for Ornithology
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.