European Goldfinch

Least Concern

Carduelis carduelis

This vibrant songbird, with its distinctive red face and golden wing bars, brightens gardens and fields across Europe and beyond.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The European Goldfinch is a striking small finch with a distinctive red face and black-and-white head. Its wings are black with a bright yellow wing bar, while the body is mainly buff or light brown.

During the breeding season, the bill of male and female goldfinches is white, but at other times of the year, it is marked with a black tip.

Female goldfinches are very alike in appearance to males, and visually, it is hard to tell them apart from a distance. At close range, the sexes can be distinguished by the size of the red facial patch, with the females not extending past the eyes as it does in males of the species.

Juvenile goldfinches do not develop adults' red, white and black facial markings until the late summer or autumn after hatching. Until this point, they have streaky buff-brown markings on their heads.

Size

Length

12cm to 13cm

Wingspan

21cm to 25cm

Weight

14g to 19g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Red Black White

Secondary Colour

Brown Yellow

Beak Colour

Pale Pink

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

European Goldfinches inhabit open woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. They prefer areas with scattered trees and shrubs interspersed with open ground rich in seeding plants.

Goldfinches are widespread residents in the UK, with some birds migrating south in winter. They have also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand, where they have established populations.

Elevation Range

Up to 4,200 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Mediterranean

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 30
Adaptability 75
Aggressiveness 25
Endurance 60

Diet

European Goldfinches primarily feed on small seeds, particularly those of thistles, teasels, and dandelions. They also consume seeds from birch and alder trees, and occasionally small insects, especially when feeding young.

Their specialised beak is adapted for extracting seeds from flower heads.

Insects, including bugs, moths, beetles and flies, form a smaller part of a goldfinch’s diet, particularly during early spring and breeding season. Spiders and larvae are also eaten.

Behaviour

European Goldfinches are highly social, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They have an acrobatic feeding style, clinging to thistle heads and other plants to extract seeds.

These birds are also known for their undulating flight pattern, alternating between flapping and gliding.

Vocalisation

The European Goldfinch has a pleasant, tinkling song that includes a variety of sweet trills and twitters. Their flight call is a distinctive 'tickelitt' or 'stichlit', which gives rise to their German name 'Stieglitz'. When feeding or in flocks, they produce a soft, conversational warbling.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for European Goldfinches typically begins in late April. Males perform a fluttering display flight to attract females, often accompanied by song.

Females construct a neat, cup-shaped nest of moss, lichen, and plant down, usually in the outer branches of trees or shrubs. They lay 4-6 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, carried out by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13-18 days but continue to be fed by adults for several more weeks.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 3 years
0
1
3
4
5

years

The European Goldfinch typically lives for 2 to 3 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the European Goldfinch is currently listed as Least Concern, it has faced historical declines due to trapping for the cage-bird trade.

In the UK, conservation efforts and increased garden feeding have contributed to a population recovery in recent decades.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

100,000,000 - 155,000,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for goldfinches in open woodland edges, gardens, and fields with thistles and teasels.
  • Listen for their liquid, tinkling call, often given in flight.
  • Observe feeders with niger seeds, which are particularly attractive to goldfinches.
  • In the UK, participate in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch to contribute to goldfinch population monitoring.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Goldfinch

Family:

Fringillidae

Predators

Main predators include sparrowhawks, cats, and other small birds of prey. Nests may be raided by jays, magpies, and squirrels.

Did You Know?

  1. Goldfinches were popular subjects in Renaissance paintings, often symbolising resurrection.
  2. A group of goldfinches is called a 'charm'.
  3. The population in the UK has increased by over 100% since the 1970s.
  4. Goldfinches were often kept as captive birds by the Victorians.

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Community Experience

Community Ratings

1 rating from birders

Ease of Spotting
5.0/5
Visual Appeal
5.0/5
Song Recognition
3.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

S

Sarah Thompson

Spotting: 5/5
Visual: 5/5
Song: 3/5
Since the goldfinches have discovered my nyjer seed feeder, they keep on coming back a few times each day. Their bright red faces and yellow wing patches are stunning.

FAQs

What are a group of Goldfinches called?

  • A charm of goldfinches
  • A troubling of goldfinches
  • A chirm of goldfinches
  • A drum of goldfinches
  • A company of goldfinches
  • A trembling of goldfinches
  • A trimming of goldfinches

References

  1. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2019. Carduelis carduelis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T103764950A152615959.

    View source