The European Greenfinch is a compact, sturdy finch with a striking pink-grey, conical bill adapted for cracking hard seeds. The plumage differs clearly between the sexes.
Male: An olive-green to yellow body with brighter yellow edges along the primaries and on the sides of the tail; grey flight feathers with yellow edging create an eye-catching pattern in flight.
Female: Brown-green with diffuse streaking; the same yellow tail edges as the male but paler, and the heavy bill gives the species away.
Juvenile/immature: Like the female but with clearer lengthwise streaking on the breast and flanks; the yellow wing edges are visible even in young birds.
Winter: The male largely keeps its green plumage but appears a little paler during the winter months; often seen in flocks.