Finches in Leicestershire
10 species matching this filter.
Leicestershire's varied landscape of farmland, hedgerows, woodland and parkland supports a healthy diversity of finches, with 10 species recorded across the county. From the familiar Chaffinch and European Goldfinch seen in gardens and along field margins, to scarcer visitors like the Hawfinch and Brambling, there is plenty to look out for year-round. For help telling these colourful birds apart, see our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide.
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks in farmland and beech woodland from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of hedgerows, woodland edges and mature gardens. Its soft, piping call often betrays its presence.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
An abundant resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens throughout the county, with winter numbers boosted by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident of birch and alder woodland. Absent in midsummer, with numbers boosted by continental birds in autumn and winter.
Sep–May
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident most visible in winter and early spring, visiting garden feeders and frequenting alder trees along waterways.
Jul–May
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, frequently visiting garden feeders. Flocks gather on teasel and thistle heads in autumn across the county.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common garden and farmland resident, though numbers have declined sharply due to trichomonosis disease in recent years.
Year-round
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare and elusive passage visitor in October and November. Occasionally irrupts into the county, favouring hornbeam and cherry trees.
Oct–Nov
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Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of open farmland, rough ground and hedgerows. Often forms flocks outside the breeding season on weedy stubble fields.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and irruptive resident, most likely seen in conifer plantations like those in Charnwood Forest from late summer to autumn.
Jul–Nov