Today we were blessed with this bird which I am unable to name. Is its mate green without the yellow? I thought it was a sparrow at first, but the green tinge threw me. I am now on the alert for more visits.
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P.B., Wendouree.
Your bird is a male greenfinch, also known as the common greenfinch or European greenfinch. It is an exotic bird, introduced here from Britain. Unlike others, it is not regarded as a pest.
The greenfinch is widespread across the Ballarat district, usually found not far from pines and cypresses.
Its main food is seeds of many sorts, with elm seeds popular when they appear.
It is rather like a sparrow in size and shape. The female is a duller green.
In Britain the greenfinch regularly visits bird-feeders, but it is a shyer bird here.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
