Citril Finch Identification Guide

Citril Finch

Key facts

Scientific name: Carduelis citrinella
UK status: Accidental (rare vagrant)
Global conservation status: Least concern
Length: 12 cm
Wingspan: 23 cm
Weight: 13 g

Description

The citril finch is a small alpine finch with a long tail and long pointed bill. It has grey upperparts with a brown tinge on the back, and black wings with two broad yellow-green bars. The underparts are yellow-green. The head is grey with a bright yellow face mask. The female is similar but duller.

Although it resembles a serin, it is more closely related to the European goldfinch and during migration the two species will often flock together. Its twittering song also resembles that of a goldfinch, although its call is more like that of a serin.

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Diet

Citril finches eat mainly small and medium seeds but will also supplement their diet with insects.

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Nicolas Martinez/xeno-canto

Range and habitat

Citril finches are found in southern and central Europe in montane woodland and open rocky areas with spruce and pine. It undergoes a short altitudinal migration in autumn.

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