Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a restricted range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The breeding population, which is confined to Europe, is estimated to number 18,000-20,500 pairs, which equates to 36,000-41,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
This species inhabits lowland maquis to montane dry scrub and open to semi-open conifer forests, mainly of European black pine (Pinus nigra) and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), and heathland with tree-heath (Erica) and bushes, mainly Genista and bramble (Rubus), also alder (Alnus) groves and areas of lightly scattered conifers. In subalpine zones it is found in low juniper (Juniperus). Outside the breeding season it moves to maquis and scrub vegetation in lower-level valleys, plains and coastal areas. Breeding season from mid-March to at least June. The nest is a loose and shallow cup of fine grasses, plant fibres and down, moss, animal hair and feathers and usually placed up to three metres above the ground in low tree-heath, Genista, bramble, evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) or juniper. Clutches are two to five eggs. It feeds on the seeds of European black pine, grasses (Poa, Briza) and herbs and on Sardinia it also takes larval and pupal ermine moths (Parahyponomeutidae). The species is an altitudinal migrant (Clement 2016).
There are not thought to be any current significant threats to this species.
Conservation Actions Underway
There are currently no known specific conservation measures for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
No conservation measures are currently needed for this species.
Text account compilers
Ekstrom, J., Butchart, S., Ashpole, J
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Species factsheet: Carduelis corsicana. Downloaded from
http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/corsican-finch-carduelis-corsicana on 29/09/2023.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2023) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
http://datazone.birdlife.org on 29/09/2023.
