Finches in Gloucestershire
10 species matching this filter.
Gloucestershire is home to 10 recorded species of finch, thriving across the county's diverse habitats from the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean to the open farmland of the Cotswolds and the Severn Vale. Notable species include the elusive Hawfinch, for which the Forest of Dean is one of the best locations in Britain, alongside familiar garden visitors such as the European Goldfinch and Greenfinch. For help telling these colourful birds apart, see our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide, and to learn more about what keeps Greenfinches fuelled through the seasons, explore What Do Greenfinches Eat? (All You Need To Know).
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor to Gloucestershire, sometimes joining chaffinch flocks at woodland edges and farmland feeding stations from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of thick hedgerows, orchards and woodland edges. Often heard before seen, with its soft piping call.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common resident found year-round in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Winter flocks are often boosted by Continental migrants.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare resident, most likely encountered in birch and alder woodland. Largely absent during summer months, with numbers bolstered by winter visitors.
Sep–May
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident favouring conifer plantations and alders along waterways. More conspicuous in winter when visiting garden feeders.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, frequently seen in flocks on teasel heads and garden feeders throughout the county all year round.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common resident found year-round in gardens, hedgerows and farmland, though numbers have declined significantly due to trichomonosis disease.
Year-round
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare but iconic resident of the Forest of Dean, favouring mature broadleaved woodland with hornbeam and cherry. Most reliably seen in winter flocks.
Sep–Jun
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Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
A common resident of farmland, rough ground and hedgerows. Forms sociable flocks in winter, often mixing with other finches on stubble fields.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare resident of conifer plantations in the Forest of Dean, using its crossed bill to extract seeds from spruce and pine cones.
Oct–Aug