Medium-sized finch. Short-distance migrant, partial migrant and resident, depending on the geographical population. Migratory movements restricted to within Europe and N Africa. Breeding distribution covers Europe (excluding Iceland and Arctic regions) N Africa and some areas in C Asia. Inhabits deciduous, mixed and coniferous woodlands, but also anthropogenic habitats such as forest edges, hedgerows, orchards, parks and gardens in lower-lying areas. Mixed diet of small invertebrates, seeds and buds. European breeding population 185,000,000-269,000,000. Increasing trend.