European Goldfinch
ExploreBirds
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
The European Goldfinch is a small, colorful bird with a bright red face and yellow wings. They love to sing and can often be seen flitting about in gardens and parks.
Habitat: Gardens, parks, and open fields
Appearance
The European Goldfinch has a striking red face, a black and white head, and vibrant yellow flashes on its black wings. Its body is mostly buff-brown with a white belly. These bright colours make it easily identifiable among other small birds.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyFringillidaeGenusCarduelis
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
3
Interesting facts
A group of goldfinches is called a 'charm' – how enchanting!
Goldfinch chicks have duller feathers when they leave the nest to help them hide!
They often use soft thistle-down to line their nests, making them super cozy!
They use spider silk to help weave their nests together, making them extra strong!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Extraction Master
European Goldfinch can precisely extract tiny seeds from thistles and teasels because of its specialized, pointed beak.
Ability
Acrobatic Feeder
European Goldfinch can hang upside down on plant stems because of its nimble feet, reaching seeds others cannot.
Ability
Nature's Weaver
European Goldfinch has a talent for weaving compact nests using plant down and spider silk that keeps its babies safe.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-13.5 cm
- Wingspan
- 21-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.011-0.02 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-7 years
- Top Speed
- 45 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-7
- Incubation
- 11-14 days
Diet & Feeding
They mostly munch on tiny seeds from thistles, teasels, and other wild plants.
Primary Foods
- Thistle seeds
- Teasel seeds
- Dandelion seeds
- Nyjer seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Birch seeds
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
A common bird of prey that hunts small birds like the Goldfinch.
eats
Spear Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
Relies heavily on its abundant seeds as a primary food source.
shelters
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
Often builds its cup-shaped nest high within its branches.
eats
Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
Its seeds are a vital food source, especially in winter.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Carduelis GoldfinchGoldfinch
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Goldfinches are friendly and not dangerous. Just enjoy watching them from a distance!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is European Goldfinch?
12-13.5 cm
What is European Goldfinch's wingspan?
21-25 cm
How much does European Goldfinch weigh?
0.011-0.02 kg
How long does European Goldfinch live?
2-7 years
How fast can European Goldfinch move?
45 km/h
What does European Goldfinch eat?
They mostly munch on tiny seeds from thistles, teasels, and other wild plants.
Where is European Goldfinch usually found?
Gardens, parks, and open fields
How does European Goldfinch hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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