The Finch Family (Fringillidae)

Order: Passerines (Passeriformes)

Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

The Goldfinch is a very noticeable bird. It has a red, black and white face. Its body is brown, with bright golden patches on its wings.

Habitat

Goldfinches are usually found in places where there are plenty of trees around. It is often found in the countryside, and in village gardens or orchards.

During the winter it can be found in large groups with many other Goldfinches, often on barren land, searching for weed-seeds.

The Goldfinch eats seeds. Its beak is long and narrow enough to extract seeds from prickly thistles, on which it is often seen feeding. The Goldfinch eats some insects too.

The nest is made of fine stems, blades of grass, roots and moss, formed into a cup, with very thick walls. It is built high up in a tree, at the end of a branch. Five or six white eggs, with red speckles are laid.

Goldfinches can be found all year long throughout Britain, although some emigrate in October or November.

Goldfinches sing mostly when they are in flight. They make a "tswittwitt" song.

Fun Fact

The male and female Goldfinch are almost identical.