Finches in Suffolk
11 species matching this filter.
Suffolk's diverse mix of heathlands, ancient woodlands, and farmland hedgerows provides excellent habitat for 11 species of finch. From the colourful European Goldfinch and Greenfinch frequenting garden feeders to the elusive Hawfinch hidden in the canopy of mature woodlands, the county offers rewarding opportunities for finch enthusiasts. For help telling these species apart, take a look at our Types of Finches in the UK: Identification Guide.
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining chaffinch flocks at farmland feeding stations and beech woodland edges.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of Suffolk's hedgerows and woodland edges. Its soft, piping call often betrays its presence.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and familiar resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland throughout Suffolk. Winter flocks are often boosted by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident of birch and alder woodland. Numbers fluctuate with winter influxes from the Continent boosting local birds.
Sep–May
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident favouring alder and birch stands. Winter flocks are boosted by Continental birds visiting garden feeders.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, often seen in lively flocks feeding on teasel and thistle heads across Suffolk's farmland edges.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common garden and farmland resident, though numbers have declined due to disease. Feeds readily at bird tables year-round.
Year-round
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in January and February. May appear in mature woodland with hornbeam during irruption years.
Jan–Feb
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Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
A common resident favouring farmland hedgerows, heathland and coastal scrub. Often forms sizeable flocks on stubble fields in winter.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare resident of Suffolk's conifer plantations, notably Thetford Forest fringes. Numbers fluctuate with periodic irruptions from the continent.
Jul–May
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
A rare winter visitor to Suffolk's coastal saltmarshes and shingle, mainly November to January. Easily overlooked among linnet flocks.
Nov–Jan