All that glitters ain’t gold, but beauty’s ever green.
Hold on to your high notes, songbirds – ain't nothin’ gonna bring this contender down. Greenfinches are excellent singers, brilliant mimics and a regular, eye-popping visitor to UK gardens. In spring, males perform a loud display song flight to woo the ladies, which involves gliding around treetops and flaunting their yellow patches (ooerr!).
However, for their breakout Bird of the Year moment, these pint-sized Pavarottis are stepping up to the mic to belt out their best. The species has a range of songs to choose from including their most recognisable ‘wheezing’ call, and global hit ‘Green Birdy Club’. However, their song choice for BoTY is being kept under wraps.
We asked Greenfinches for a sneak peek at their performance but were quickly mobbed by a flock of flying monkeys (an early contender for next year’s competition).
A group of finches is called a ‘charm’.
Greenfinches are indeed talented mimics and can learn the songs of other species.
The Greenfinch’s most recognisable song – a drawn-out wheeze – is a sign of the arrival of spring.
The Greenfinch’s flight to the BoTY final has been a turbulent one. The species has become a symbol for birds severely impacted by a deadly disease known as trichomonosis. Spread through the saliva and regurgitated food of infected birds, over the last three decades it’s caused Greenfinch numbers to plummet by more than 65%.
RSPB scientists found that the risk of infection is particularly high at places where birds gather, like feeding stations. So, to help these brilliant garden birds and other species fight back, we updated our garden bird feeding guidance. Now, millions of nature lovers across the UK feed their garden birds seasonally and safely.
Voting opens on 30 October and closes on 22 November! In the meantime, check out the contenders Greenfinch is up against.
