Finches in London
9 species matching this filter.
London is home to 9 species of finch, ranging from familiar garden visitors like the Chaffinch and European Goldfinch to scarcer winter arrivals such as the Brambling and Common Redpoll. The capital's parks, heathlands, and suburban gardens provide vital habitat for these seed-loving birds throughout the year. For a broader look at the finch species found across the country, see our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide, or explore our guide to the 20 Most Common Birds in London: Gardens, Parks & Urban Hotspots.
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare passage visitor, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks in parks and woodland edges during March and again in autumn.
Oct–Mar
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A rare but year-round resident, quietly inhabiting wooded parks and larger gardens. Its soft, piping call is easily overlooked.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common year-round resident in parks, gardens, and woodland. Its cheerful descending song is a hallmark of spring across the capital.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, sometimes found in birch and alder along waterways from autumn to spring. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Sep–Apr
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor from September to April, often feeding in alders and birches along London's waterways and in wooded parks.
Sep–Apr
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, frequently visiting garden feeders. Flocks gather on teasel and thistle heads across London's parks and allotments.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common garden resident year-round, though numbers have fallen steeply due to disease. Its wheezy song is a familiar suburban sound.
Year-round
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident found on rough grassland and scrubby edges around London's periphery. Numbers have declined significantly in recent decades.
Year-round
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Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and irruptive passage visitor, occasionally appearing in October during invasion years. Seeks out conifer stands in larger parks.
Oct