European Goldfinch

The Goldfinch or European Goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis, is a small passerine bird of the finch family.

The Goldfinch breeds across Europe and most of Asia in open partially wooded lowlands. It is resident in the milder west of its range, but migrates from colder regions. It will also make local movements, even in the west, to escape bad weather.

Its red face and black and white head make this finch unmistakeable. It is the red that gives the genus Carduelis its name from the colour worn by cardinals. Ironically, the dominant colour on all the birds in this genus is actually yellow.

The food is small seeds such as thistles[?] and teasels[?], but insects are also taken. The song is a pleasant silvery twittering. The nest is in a tree.

See also American Goldfinch