greenfinch

American  

[green-finch] / ˈgrinˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. any finch of the genus Carduelis, of Europe and Asia, having green and yellow plumage, especially C. chloris European greenfinch.

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greenfinch British  

/ ˈɡriːnˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a common European finch, Carduelis chloris, the male of which has a dull green plumage with yellow patches on the wings and tail

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Etymology

Origin of greenfinch

First recorded in 1490–1500; green + finch

Example Sentences

Once a familiar sight in UK gardens, the greenfinch population has decreased by two million.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

"I caught this scene while watching birds in the Bialowieza Forest. A young greenfinch was still fed by parents, however, from time to time the birds looked like they were having an argument."

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2023

Nightingale, greenfinch, grey partridge, marsh tit, skylark, nightjar and tree pipit - all Red List species - have been recorded.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2023

The sick greenfinch on my balcony was suffering from ulcers on his throat that made it painful to swallow.

From New York Times • Aug. 14, 2021

“What’s your name?” asked the tallest and thinnest of the visitors, a scholarly-looking man with thick gray hair, whose dæmon was a greenfinch.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman