goldfinch

1. Bird Name
The bird in focus is known by its English name, the Goldfinch. Its scientific (Latin) name is Carduelis carduelis.

2. Appearance
The Goldfinch stands out due to its vibrant coloration. It dons a bright red face, set off by white cheeks, a black crown, and yellow wing bars. Their body is light brown, but the wings and tail are contrasting black with broad yellow bars on the wings. Goldfinches have a long, pointed beak that facilitates their seed-eating habit. Their eyes are dark, almost black and the feather texture is smooth and somewhat glossy. The notable feature is that both sexes are similar in appearance.

3. Size
An adult Goldfinch typically measures between 12-13 cm, with a wingspan averaging from 21-25 cm. These birds are lightweight, with their weight fluctuating between 14 and 19 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Goldfinches’ geographical distribution is quite extensive. Found across Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, Goldfinches have a penchant for open, partially wooded lowlands, including parks, gardens and orchards. They prefer edge habitats and are rarely found deep inside forests or grasslands.

5. Interesting Facts
Goldfinches are known for their acrobatic flying pattern. Also, they are cherished for their delightful twittering song, often heard as they fly. Culturally, they have appeared in centuries of artwork, often symbolizing freedom and the resilience of life.

6. Diet
Goldfinches have an affinity for the seeds of weeds and thistles, which contributes to their Latin name, Carduelis, derived from ‘carduus’- the Latin term for thistle. They also nibble on insects and grubs as an occasional source of protein, particularly during the breeding season.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Goldfinches often breed later in the summer than other bird species, to coincide with an abundance of ripened seeds in their environment. They are social birds, often seen in loose colonies. Their flying pattern is distinctive, characterized by bouts of fluttering separated by short periods of gliding with closed wings. Their song is a long, twittering, pleasant melody that is often heard while the bird is in flight.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Goldfinch is of ‘Least Concern’ for conservation, demonstrating a broad range and a large population that appears to be stable.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, the average Goldfinch lifespan is around 3-5 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 10 years or longer under favourable conditions.

10. Additional Notes
Common names for the Goldfinch in other languages include ‘Stieglitz’ in German, ‘Cardellino’ in Italian, and ‘Jilguero’ in Spanish. Goldfinches are generally well-received by human populations due to their striking appearance and melodious song. In ecosystem terms, they help control the populations of weeds due to their heavy dependence on weed seeds as a food source. Goldfinches have also been found to contribute to pollination as they move flower to flower in search of seeds and insects.