Best time to see: mid Oct to mid Apr

Key facts

Small yellow-green finch that depends on conifer seeds

Habitat: conifer and mixed woodlands, especially near damp areas

Regular winter visitor, with a few staying on to breed

Recognition

Greenish-yellow plumage, male with black crown; wings black with bold yellow wingbars; 11–12 cm

In winter often joins flocks of redpolls feeding on alders and birches

Feeds mainly on seeds of trees and weeds; and insects when breeding

Lifecycle

Neat and compact nest high in a conifer

Usually 2 broods April to June; 3–5 pale blue eggs, speckled reddish