Finches in Berkshire
9 species matching this filter.
Berkshire's mix of ancient woodland, farmland, hedgerows, and river valleys provides excellent habitat for nine species of finch. From the ever-popular European Goldfinch and Chaffinch to winter visitors such as the Brambling and Eurasian Siskin, the county offers rewarding finch-watching throughout the year. For help telling these colourful birds apart, see our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide.
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter and early spring visitor, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks at woodland feeding stations. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Jan–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of hedgerows, scrub and woodland edges. Its soft, piping call often betrays its presence before it is seen.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and widespread resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Its cheerful song is a familiar sound across Berkshire year-round.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from October to April, occasionally found in birch and alder woodland. Numbers vary greatly between winters.
Oct–Apr
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident favouring alder and birch along waterways. Numbers increase in winter with continental birds, and it readily visits garden feeders.
Sep–Jul
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful year-round resident, frequently visiting garden feeders. Flocks gather on seed-rich wasteland and field edges in autumn.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
An uncommon resident of gardens and farmland edges, declining significantly due to trichomonosis disease. Still visits feeders across the county.
Year-round
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of farmland, heathland and rough ground. Often forms sociable flocks outside the breeding season along field margins.
Year-round
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Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare passage visitor with sporadic appearances, typically during irruption years. May be encountered in conifer plantations in July or October.
Jul–Oct