Mauro makes mention of Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) sightings in the
Adelaide Hills.
Greenfinches were introduced into Australia in Victoria during the 1860s
(and later) around Melbourne. They were liberated in South Australia in
1879 or earlier. The species is now widespread over much of se Australia
and Tasmania.
Long [1981](from which this information is taken) says there is little
evidence, as yet, of crop damage by the birds, but that in the 1920s
Greenfinches caused damage to fruit and grain crops in New Zealand.
They may of course directly compete with other seed eaters. I can think of
Sparrow competition with Orange-bellied Parrots for foods in Victoria as an
example of this.
Martin O'Brien
Executive Scientific Officer
Scientific Advisory Committee
Threatened Species Program
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Pde.,
East Melbourne, 3002
AUSTRALIA
tel: +61 3 9412 4567
fax: +61 3 9412 4586
e-mail:
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