Garden Bird Fact Files

Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Also known as the European goldfinch, highly coloured finch with a red face and bright yellow wing patch. Their long fine beaks allow them to extract seeds from thistles and teasels.

Most numerous in southern England, in winter many goldfinches migrate as far south as Spain.

You have a chance of seeing a Goldfinch anywhere there are scattered bushes and trees with thistles and other seeding plants. They like orchards, parks, heathland and commons as well as gardens. Less common in upland areas and .

Goldfinches are very partial to Nyger Seed which they can easily get to from Nyjer Seed Feeders.

UK Distribution