This article covers the species of finches that you might see in the British Isles.
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Male Chaffinches sport orange chests and cheeks with a blue-grey cap and orange-brown backs. They have white wing bars, and it is this feature that makes them most noticeable in flight. The females are significantly less colorful as they are predominantly brown with some green and yellow highlights.
Check out our Chaffinch Species Guide
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

The Hawfinch is the largest member of the finch family of birds in the U.K. They have a large bill which they can use to crack into hard-stoned fruit. Their prominent feather coloring is orange-brown with white wing bars and tail tips.
Check out our Hawfinch Species Guide
Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Eurasian Bullfinches are extremely shy, in particular around humans. Their calls are also quite discreet compared to some of the other members of the Finch family. So discreet in fact, that you are more likely to see a Bullfinch before you hear one!
Both the male and female birds have a black cap that extends around their head and bill. They have black wings and tails and a grey and white back. The males sport a rose-red chest which is particularly noticeable during the breeding season.
Check out our Bullfinch Species Guide
Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githagineus)

The Trumpeter Finch is primarily a desert species found in North Africa, Spain, and extending into southern Asia. These finches can be nomadic when food is scarce, and some individuals have even migrated as far as the British Isles in search of nourishment. However, aside from these occasional visitors, there are few records of Trumpeter Finches in the UK.
The Trumpeter Finch is a small, long-winged bird with a large head and a short, very thick bill. In summer, males have a red bill, a grey head and neck, and pale brown upper parts. Their breast, rump, and tail are pink, with the tail featuring dark terminal feathers. In winter, males, females, and young birds appear as a much duller version of the breeding male. The song of this bird is a buzzing, nasal trill reminiscent of a tin trumpet, which is assumedly how it got its name.
Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus)

The Common Rosefinch is a regular autumn visitor to the most northerly of the Scottish Isles. In their first winter plumage, they exhibit subtle streaking and possess a distinctive black eye. There have also been records of birds breeding in Scotland, though this is an irregular occurrence.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)

Compared to other finches, the Greenfinch is quite large and somewhat stocky. Their bill is also chunky making it ideal for crushing their favorite food. Males have green bodies with yellow streaks across their wing & tail feathers. Females also have yellow streaks on their wings and tails but their bodies are more brown. They are quite aggressive birds, and can often be seen squabbling amongst themselves and other birds.
Check out our Greenfinch Species Guide
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

Goldfinches are one of the most striking members of the finch family. Males and females look alike with red face patches and bibs framed with a white collar, albeit the females’ red face patch is slightly smaller than the males. Their wings are predominantly black with white spots with a very prominent yellow wing patch. Juvenile Goldfinches are easily identified as they lack the red face patch.
Check out our Goldfinch Species Guide
Citrilfinch (Carduelis citrinella)

Resembling a small Greenfinch, this mountain-dwelling species breeds from Spain to Austria. The Citrilfinch was added to the British List after an individual was ringed on Shetland in 2008.
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)

The Brambling is arguably one of the most attractive members of the finch family. Both males and females sport a bright orange and white chest, though the males have more vibrant tones. They have predominantly black wings with patches of white and orange. During the summer, males have black head feathers, but these turn more grey-brown during the winter. The female head feathers remain grey-brown all year around.
Check out our Brambling Species Guide
Twite (Linaria flavirostris)

The Twite is a small, brown finch with a yellow bill and pink rump, typically found along coastal areas and higher ground. Males are often more brightly marked than females. It breeds in northern Britain and Ireland but can be seen on southern coasts in winter, where it feeds on small seeds along the tideline.
Since 1996, the Twite has been Red-listed in the UK due to a decline in its breeding population, with winter numbers bolstered by migrants from other parts of Europe.
Linnet (Linaria cannabina)

The Linnet is a small finch species that is commonly found throughout Britain and Ireland all year round, primarily inhabiting open country and farmland. Population numbers for the Linnet experienced a significant decline between the late 1960s and the late 1980s. Although the rate of decline has since slowed, the overall population trend continues to decrease. This ongoing decline is believed to be related to increased nest failures attributed to agricultural intensification. As a result, the Linnet has been included in the UK Red List since 1996.
In terms of appearance, Linnets exhibit a generally streaky brown coloration. Males are more visually striking than females, characterized by a grey head and distinctive pink patches on their forehead and chest. Additionally, Linnets are known for their melodious song. During the winter months, they gather in large flocks, often mixing with other finch species as they forage for seeds across the countryside.
Eurasian Siskin (Pinus spinus)

The Eurasian Siskin is a charming little finch even smaller than a greenfinch! It sports a cute forked tail and has a narrow bill. The males are especially bright with their sunny yellow breasts and cheeks, topped off with a stylish black cap. On the other hand, the females have a softer look with pale feathers, earthy dark streaks, and a touch of dull yellow here and there. Both the male and female have wings beautifully striped in yellow and black, making them a delight to see!
Check out our Siskin Species Guide
Redpoll (Acanthis SPP)

Redpolls have the typical brown colorations of finches but also sport a red cap and sometimes red coloration on their chests. They are agile birds, and you will often see them performing acrobatics such as hanging upside down in search of food. Males and Females are similar in appearance, the female is typically darker in color with more streaks, and with very little or no red plumage on their chests. Until as recently as 2024 the species was split into three separate species, but these have now been grouped as science has proven that the 3 species were genetically identical.
Check out our Redpoll Species Guide
Crossbill (Loxia SPP)

As with the Redpoll, another strong candidate for grouping is the Crossbill. They look quite chunky compared to most of their cousins, with a large head and a distinctive bill. Adult males have a brick-red coloration, while females have a greenish-brown hue. The Crossbill is split into three species in the UK, one of which; is the Scottish Crossbill has no plumage, biometric, vocal, or genetic criteria that can be used to identify it from the Common Crossbill. There is certainly a strong case to declassify the Scottish Crossbill, and perhaps through scientific research, all three species will be proven to be genetically identical.
Check out our Crossbill Species Guide