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| Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis |
The Goldfinch is one of the largest of the finch family, is highly coloured, sociable and often breeds in loose colonies. The collective noun for a group of Goldfinches is a 'charm of goldfinches'.
Resident in UK apart from far north & west Scotland. In the winter many Goldfinches migrate as far south as Spain. |
| Indentification |
| Adult |
The adult Goldfinch is easily identified with its distinctive face pattern of crimson, white & black. Its wings are black with a bright yellow patch that are visible both at rest & in flight. It has a warm brown back & and a white rump visible in flight. |
| Juvenile |
the young Goldfinch lacks the face patterns & colour of the adult bird with its face being pale buff in colour. |
| Size |
11.5 - 12.5cm |
| Bill |
fine & long. |
| Legs |
buff: medium in length |
| Habitat |
the Goldfinch is a popular garden visitor, can be seen feeding from the bird table and feeders. Also can be seen anywhere there are bushes, trees and rough ground with thistles and other seeding plants. |
| Behaviour |
flits, takes off & lands from vegetation & ground. |
| Flocking |
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| Flight |
undulating. |
| Voice |
sweet tinkling. |
| Breeding |
| Nest |
in bushes. |
| Eggs |
lays 4- 7 eggs, spotted blackish. |
| Incubation period |
12 - 14 days |
| Fledgling |
13 - 16 days |
| Broods |
2; April - May |
| Food |
insects, teasels, thistles, seeds, peanuts & pine nuts. |
| UK breeding pairs |
230,000 |
| Selection of popular products |
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