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A common greenfinch (RSPB)

Greenfinch numbers in British gardens have plummeted by almost two-thirds in the last decade, primarily due to the parasitic disease trichomonosis.

The RSPB recommends pausing the feeding of seed mixes and peanuts to birds between May and October to help prevent the spread of trichomonosis, which is transmitted at feeding stations.

Adrian Thomas, an RSPB wildlife gardening expert, explains that the disease, historically affecting pigeons, has now spread to finches, including greenfinches and chaffinches.

Gardeners are encouraged to cultivate plants that provide natural food sources, such as lavender, Verbena bonariensis, sunflowers, and echinacea, to support birds throughout the year.

Strict hygiene practices are essential, including cleaning bird feeders at least weekly, changing bird bath water daily, and regularly relocating…