crops. Greenfinches frequently associate with sparrows and silvereyes feeding on food provided by people in gardens.

Greenfinches are believed to be mostly sedentary, but birds from the mainland have reached many outlying islands unaided. There is no evidence of regular migration, however local movements are often dictated by food availability.

Food

Seeds form the bulk of the greenfinch diet, and are taken from a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs. They have a particular liking for the seeds of brassicas including both wild (wild turnip and wild radish), and cultivated types (rapeseed). Greenfinches are partial to the seeds of Pinus radiata, taking them directly from the opening cones, or from the ground. Thistle seeds are frequently taken, mostly from the ground. However, the large seeds of the variegated thistle areextracted from the heads as they start to open. Other weed species recorded in the diet include Amaranthus, chickweed, fat-hen, dandelion, Poa annua and wireweed. Seeds are also eaten from a range of berries, including Cotoneaster and African boxthorn. Seeds from cultivated species reported as being consumed include cereals, sunflower, maize, clover, tamarillo, kiwifruit, passionfruit and apple. Invertebrates form a minor part of the diet; Greenfinches have been observed consuming aphids, caterpillars, moths, flies, beetles and bugs. One bird was observed taking bees directly from a hive.

Identification

A small songbird species in which adult males are green with yellow on the abdomen, bright yellow bars on the leading edges of the wings, a pinkish conical bill and pink legs. Females are duller with little yellow on the wings while