European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

OTHER NAMES: Goldfinch, Foolscoat, Gold Spink, Thistle Finch
Latin Etymology: Carduelis ("goldfinch") carduelis ("goldfinch")

Adult European Goldfinch (subspecies C. c. carduelis) at Geddington, Northants - April 2010

Featured subspecies: Carduelis carduelis carduelis
Weight: 14-19g

Length: 12-13cm

Wingspan: 21-25cm
UK GREEN LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Goldfinches are one of the more common finches and can frequently be seen in small flocks (or "charms" as they are rather pleasantly known collectively) in many places, including town centers in some places. It will also come to feeders, particularly ones with niger seeds, of which they seem particularly fond, and this is probably the place to get best views and photographs of them.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus:  Carduelis 
Subspecies: C. c. britannica, C. c. carduelis, C. c. parva, C. c. tschusii, C. c. balcanica, C. c. niediecki, C. c. brevirostris, C. c. loudoni, C. c. paropanisi, C. c. major, C. c. subulata, C. c. caniceps

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A common and widespread breeding resident (313,000 territories) and Common Wintering species (100,000 birds)

 - Seen at sites including Rutland Water, Elmley Marshes, Rainham Marshes, Wooler, Regent's Park, Brigstock, Pitsford Reservoir and Geddington.

Further Notes: Arkive, BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto