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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Thistle seeds
- Teasel seeds
- Dandelion seeds
Predators
- Eurasian sparrowhawks
- Domestic cats
- Corvids
ThreatsHabitat loss, intensive agriculture reducing weed seed availability, and illegal trapping for the pet trade.
HabitatsOpen woodlands, orchards, gardens, parks, and weedy fields.
Life spanTypically 3 to 8 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFringillidae
- SpeciesCarduelis carduelis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Frequent Companion Close Relative Close Relative 
Family Member Francis Franklin / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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