Species · GBIF taxon 2494686
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisAlso known as Goldfinch, Thistle Finch, Common Goldfinch
European goldfinches are highly social songbirds easily recognized by their bright red faces, golden-yellow wing patches, and liquid, twittering songs. They form large, active flocks outside the breeding season, dancing through open fields and gardens in search of seeds. These birds build neat, cup-shaped nests high in the outer branches of trees, lining them with wool and plant down.
SongbirdColorfulSocial
Licensed referenceGiles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Granivorous, primarily eating small seeds from thistles, dandelions, and teasels.
- family
- Fringillidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, intensive agriculture reducing weed seed availability, and illegal trapping for the pet trade.
- life Span
- Typically 3 to 8 years in the wild.
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Provide Nyjer Seeds: Hang specialized feeders filled with tiny thistle or nyjer seeds to attract them to your garden.
- Grow Wildflowers: Leave patches of dandelions, thistles, and teasels to go to seed in late summer.
- Listen for Twittering: Identify their presence by their distinctive, liquid, skipping song delivered from high perches.