Best time to see: mid Oct to mid Apr
Key facts
Small yellow-green finch that depends on conifer seeds
Habitat: conifer and mixed woodlands, especially near damp areas
Regular winter visitor, with a few staying on to breed
Recognition
Greenish-yellow plumage, male with black crown; wings black with bold yellow wingbars; 11–12 cm
In winter often joins flocks of redpolls feeding on alders and birches
Feeds mainly on seeds of trees and weeds; and insects when breeding
Lifecycle
Neat and compact nest high in a conifer
Usually 2 broods April to June; 3–5 pale blue eggs, speckled reddish
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© Leslie Borg