Finches in Herefordshire
10 species matching this filter.
Herefordshire's patchwork of ancient orchards, hedgerows, and mixed woodland provides excellent habitat for 10 species of finch. The county is particularly notable for its Hawfinch population, with the old-growth woodlands around the Wye Valley being one of the best places in Britain to spot this elusive bird. From the colourful Goldfinch to the secretive Bullfinch, our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide can help you tell these species apart in the field.
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining chaffinch flocks on farmland and beneath beech trees from October to early spring.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring thick hedgerows and orchards. Often seen in pairs feeding quietly on buds and berries.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common resident found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens throughout the year. One of the county's most familiar songbirds.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to alder and birch woodland, typically present from autumn through early spring in small flocks.
Sep–Apr
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
A common resident favouring conifer and alder woodland. Numbers swell in winter when flocks visit garden feeders across the county.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, often seen in lively flocks on teasel and thistle heads along Herefordshire's field margins and gardens.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common garden and farmland resident year-round, though numbers have declined in recent years due to disease. Often visits feeders.
Year-round
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare passage visitor, though Herefordshire's woodlands are a national stronghold. Look in late winter and autumn around cherry and hornbeam trees.
Nov–Mar
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Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of farmland hedgerows and rough ground, often in small flocks. Has declined with changes in agricultural practices.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and nomadic breeder in conifer plantations, notably in the Forest of Dean fringes. Presence varies with cone crop availability.
Mar–Nov