Finches in Bristol
8 species matching this filter.
Bristol's diverse mix of woodlands, parks, and rural hedgerows provides excellent habitat for eight species of finch. From the colourful European Goldfinch and Greenfinch frequenting garden feeders to the more elusive Brambling and Common Redpoll visiting during winter months, the county offers rewarding finch-watching year-round. For help telling these species apart, see our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide.
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally appearing at garden feeders in October and November alongside Chaffinch flocks.
Oct–Nov
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of hedgerows and woodland edges. Its soft, piping call carries through Bristol's green corridors.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of woodland, hedgerows, and gardens. Its ringing song is a familiar sound in Bristol's parks year-round.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare passage visitor from October to December, sometimes joining flocks of Lesser Redpolls in alders and birches along waterways.
Oct–Dec
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, attracted to alders along waterways in winter. Small flocks sometimes visit garden nyjer feeders.
Sep–Apr
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, often seen in chattering flocks on teasel and thistle heads in parks, allotments, and waste ground.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
An uncommon resident visiting garden feeders and nesting in dense hedges. Numbers have fallen sharply due to trichomonosis disease.
Year-round
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident favouring weedy fields and scrubby margins on Bristol's outskirts. Declining nationally but present year-round.
Year-round