European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

The European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a strikingly colorful songbird renowned for its vivid plumage and melodious song. Adult goldfinches are distinguished by their bright red face, framed by black markings around the eyes and extending to the nape. Their wings are a vibrant combination of black, white, and a distinctive yellow wing bar, which stands out in flight. The body is primarily buff-brown with a white ventral area and a black-and-white tail. These social birds are commonly found across Europe, North Africa, and into western and central Asia, inhabiting open woodlands, gardens, orchards, and farmlands. European Goldfinches feed mainly on seeds, with a particular preference for thistles and teasels, which they adeptly extract with their slender, conical bills. Their pleasant, tinkling song and agile flying abilities make them a delight to observe. Known for their gregarious nature, they often gather in flocks outside the breeding season, adding a splash of color to the landscape while gently flitting from branch to branch.