The Eurasian Goldfinch: A Colorful and Charming Finch

The Eurasian goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a small passerine bird that belongs to the finch family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, but it has also been introduced to other areas, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. The Eurasian goldfinch is a beautiful and colorful bird, with a red face, a black and white head, a yellow and black wing pattern, and a white rump. It is about 12-13 cm long and weighs about 14-19 g.

The Eurasian goldfinch has a varied diet, consisting mainly of seeds, especially those of thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers. It also eats some fruits, berries, buds, and insects13. It often forages in flocks, hanging upside down from the branches to reach the food. It is not very vocal, but it has a pleasant and melodious song, composed of trills, whistles, and twitters. It also has a distinctive call, sounding like “tswit-tswit” or “ti-ti-ti”.

The Eurasian goldfinch breeds from April to July, depending on the region. It builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree or a shrub, using grass, moss, lichen, and feathers. It lays four to six eggs, which are pale blue with reddish-brown spots. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 days, while the male feeds her. The chicks are fed by both parents, and fledge after about 15 days.

The Eurasian goldfinch is a popular and symbolic bird in many cultures. It is often depicted in Italian Renaissance paintings of the Madonna and Child, as a sign of Christ’s passion and redemption. It is also associated with the legend of St. Francis of Assisi, who is said to have removed a thorn from a goldfinch’s head, causing it to bleed and stain its face red. The goldfinch is also a common motif in poetry, literature, and music, such as in the poem “The Goldfinches” by William Wordsworth, the novel “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt, and the song “Goldfinch” by Passenger.

The Eurasian goldfinch is a remarkable bird that deserves our attention and admiration. It is a symbol of nature’s diversity and beauty, and a source of inspiration and joy for many people. We hope that this article has given you some interesting information and insights about this amazing bird.