FINCHES

Goldfinches are by far the most common type of finch in Hainault Forest, they are usually seen in large groups. Their fine beaks allow them to extract otherwise inaccessible seeds from plants such as thistle and teasel.

Chaffinches are found in woods, scrub and hedgerows. A white shoulder-patch is useful when identifying this species. Males have deeper colouration than females and the sexes can easily be told apart. They feed on insects and seeds.

Greenfinches are colourful birds, green with yellow wing flashes and tail. They feed on insects and seeds, especially sunflower seeds. They have declined in numbers since the 1970s.