Goldfinch or Greenfinch?

These two get mixed up constantly. Here is what actually separates them, taken from each bird's own page.

Illustration of a goldfinch

Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Much bulkier, with a thick pale bill and an olive-green body. Its yellow is a flash along the wing edge and in the tail sides rather than a solid band across a black wing, and it has no facial markings whatsoever.

Illustration of a greenfinch

Greenfinch

Chloris chloris

Side by side

GoldfinchGreenfinch
Size Smaller and slimmer than a robin — about 12cm, with a long fine bill. About 15cm — robin-length but noticeably chunkier and heavier-headed, with a big pale bill.
Where you'll see it Sunflower heart and nyjer feeders, seedheads left standing, and the tops of tall trees. On hanging seed feeders, in treetops, and on the ground beneath; a bold, dominant feeder bird.
What it eats Small oil-rich seeds — thistle, teasel, knapweed, lavender, plus sunflower hearts and nyjer at feeders. Large seeds it can crack — sunflower, rose hips, hawthorn, and in gardens sunflower hearts above all.
When All year, though some UK goldfinches migrate south in autumn and flock sizes shift. Resident all year, most obvious from late winter into spring when males start singing.
Status Green listed Red listed

Still not sure? Describe what you saw and we will rank every garden bird against it — including these two.

Both descriptions are taken from the species pages, which cite the BTO and RSPB. Reviewed 2026-09-20.