Pair of UK red-list birds spotted in Herefordshire

A PAIR of greenfinches, which are on the UK red list, have been spotted in Herefordshire.

Tony Dell, a member of our Birds Spotted in Herefordshire group on Facebook, spotted a pair of the birds in Clehonger.

According to the RSPB, the birds nest in conifers, love to feast on sunflower seeds, and are a regular garden visitor despite their numbers being in decline.

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Although quite sociable, they may squabble among themselves or with other birds at the bird table.

Greenfinch populations declined during the late 1970s and early 1980s but increased dramatically during the 1990s. A recent decline in numbers has been linked to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease that prevents the birds from feeding properly.

The British Trust for Ornithology says the birds can be found across the UK and Ireland at all times of year.

The males have distinctive green plumage with yellow in the wing and tail while the females and juveniles are duller.