Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

A truly delightful little bird! Brightly coloured and known for its tinkling little call, it’s a bird that’s able to get even the smallest of seeds. Once you see it, you’ll never forget it. A common visitor to gardens outside of the breeding season.

Identification

One of the prettiest birds you’re likely to see. A pale brown body with yellow and black plumage, and a crimson red coloured head. The underpart of the goldfinch is a mix of brown with lashings of white.

You might hear it before you see it; the goldfinch are a 24/7 channel, giving non-stop musical twitterings, especially in flight.

Feeding

Finches are the go-to example of evolution in action, and the goldfinch is no different. Its sharp, pointed bill, allows it to get at the smallest seed possible, right in the depths of a plant. This means that by having a “wild” part of the garden, you are increasing the chances of a goldfinch visiting. Of course, niger seed is loved by goldfinches too.

Breeding

Breeding from April through to August, the goldfinch makes a nest out of the twigs of trees. It lays 4-6 pale eggs, which incubate for 12-14 days. The young fledge after 12-15 days.

Did you know?

Juveniles lack the crimson red synonymous with the goldfinch.