UK / EUROPE

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

A striking finch, once kept as a popular cage bird (now illegal of course) and easily recognisable by its red face. Often seen in flocks, particularly in late summer after breeding, where they congregate around seeding thistles and burdocks.Their cheery call is a common sound, often as they fly between trees.


Teasels are a magnet for Goldfinches. This a juvenile, just starting to develop the red face plumage of an adult. Watermead Country Park, Leicestershire, UK.

Ref: Goldfinch1

Cossington Meadows, Leicestershire, UK.

Ref: Goldfinch1