In and around Canberra it is intrigueing to note that the Greenfinch occurs
but its population is very small and restricted. One would think that apart
from the summer heat, the conditions here would suit it.
-----Original Message-----
From: Martin O'Brien <>
To: <>
Date: Tuesday, 21 July 1998 12:54
Subject: Greenfinch introductions to Australia
>
>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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