The European goldfinch or simply the goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family that is native to the Palearctic zone in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It has been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and the United States.
Region
Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Typical Environment
Native across most of Europe, extending into North Africa and western to central Asia. Prefers open, semi-open, and edge habitats such as hedgerows, orchards, gardens, parks, and lightly wooded farmland. Avoids dense, closed forests and very treeless high alpine zones. Common in human-modified landscapes and towns where seed resources are abundant. It has been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Americas, where it often occupies similar habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking finch is easily recognized by its crimson face and bright yellow wing bar, and it often frequents gardens and parks. It favors thistle and teasel seeds and can deftly cling to seed heads while feeding. Historically kept as a songbird, it is renowned for its liquid, tinkling song and has been widely introduced beyond its native range.
A European goldfinch nest and eggs
Goldfinch eating teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) seeds, Scotland
Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael, c. 1505–6
The Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius, 1654
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms lively flocks that forage together and move roost sites communally. Pairs nest in trees or tall shrubs, building a neat cup of plant fibers and down. Generally monogamous within a season, with both parents provisioning young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, liquid warble with rapid trills and tinkling notes delivered in lively sequences. Calls include a distinctive, musical ‘tinkly’ twitter often given in flight. Males sing persistently from perches and during display flights.
Plumage
Crisp black-and-white head pattern with a vivid red face mask, warm buff-brown upperparts, and whitish underparts. Wings are black with a bold yellow bar, and the rump is white. Plumage is sleek with fine, neat patterning typical of finches.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small seeds, especially from thistles, teasel, dandelions, and other composites. Also takes alder, birch, and grass seeds, often hanging acrobatically to reach them. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and aphids, particularly for nestlings. Readily visits feeders for nyjer (niger) seed and sunflower hearts.
Preferred Environment
Weedy meadows, field margins, hedgerows, orchards, and urban gardens where seed heads are abundant. Frequently forages in mixed-species flocks in winter and uses shrubs and trees for cover and perching.
