Finches in Isle of Wight

9 species matching this filter.

All birds in Isle of WightView family page

The Isle of Wight is home to 9 recorded species of finch, thriving across the island's diverse mix of farmland, hedgerows, woodland and coastal scrub. Resident favourites such as the Chaffinch, European Goldfinch and Greenfinch can be spotted year-round, while winter visitors like the Brambling and Eurasian Siskin add seasonal variety. For help telling these colourful birds apart, see our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide.

Eurasian Siskin
Eurasian SiskinSmallest · 11cm
to
Red Crossbill
Red CrossbillLargest · 17cm
Ranges from the Eurasian Siskin (11cm) to the Red Crossbill (17cm)6 year-round residents
Brambling

Brambling

Fringilla montifringillaLC

A rare autumn passage migrant seen in October and November. May join Chaffinch flocks in beech woodland and farmland hedgerows.

Oct–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Bullfinch

Bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC

An uncommon but year-round resident of hedgerows, orchards, and woodland edges. Its soft piping call often betrays its presence.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Chaffinch

Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebsLC

A common and widespread resident, found in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens across the island throughout the year.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Redpoll

Common Redpoll

Acanthis flammeaLC

A rare autumn passage migrant recorded from September to November. May visit alders and birches in small flocks during irruption years.

Sep–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Eurasian Siskin

Eurasian Siskin

Spinus spinusLC

A rare winter visitor from September to April, feeding in alder and birch trees along the island's river valleys and woodland edges.

Sep–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Goldfinch

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelisLC

A common and colourful year-round resident, often seen in chattering flocks feeding on teasels and thistles across the island.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Greenfinch

Greenfinch

Chloris chlorisLC

A common year-round resident of gardens and farmland hedgerows, though island numbers have declined in recent years due to disease.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Linnet

Linnet

Linaria cannabinaLC

A common resident of the island's gorse-covered downland and coastal scrub, often seen in twittering flocks along clifftop paths.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Red Crossbill

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostraLC

A rare and irruptive resident found in conifer plantations such as Parkhurst Forest, with sightings peaking during invasion years.

Jun–Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Frequently Asked Questions

Finches in Isle of Wight | Birdfact