The greenfinch

Colored pencil drawing of a greenfinch – realistic bird illustration in vibrant green tones, symbol of local biodiversity.

portrait of a greenfinch

Distinctive songster in nature's choir

The greenfinch is a common breeding bird of Europe. It inhabits the egdes of forests, gardens as well as parks. Its characteristic call is a typical sign of the upcoming spring. While singing, it usually prefers to rest some place up high, but it also sings during flight. The European greenfinch is one of the most familiar garden birds and plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity. In recent years, populations have declined due to diseases such as trichomoniasis and habitat loss. Gardeners can help support greenfinches by creating a wildlife-friendly garden with native shrubs, sunflowers, and seed-bearing wild plants. It’s also important to keep bird feeders clean to prevent the spread of disease. By taking these small steps, you contribute to bird conservation and help the greenfinch thrive in your garden.

I have observed this pretty little finch a couple of times in the wild. It is rather sociable, but can be aggressive at times, especially when fighting over bites at the bird feeder in winter. Especially male individuals display a marvelous colourful green-yellow plumage which I wanted to capture with this drawing.

Dimensions & medium:
Medium: Faber Castell polychromos
Paper: Lobome mixed medium
Size: A5 (5.8 in x 8.3 in)