 The number of Goldfinches at the end of the 19th Century was dangerously low because of cage bird trapping.
Due to the work of the RSPB, the Goldfinches' numbers have grown again and they can be seen feeding on thistle heads once again in late summer.
Collectively known as a "charm" of goldfinches, their familiar flight note of "twitt-witt-witt" can be heard in our gardens. In flight, the Goldfinch displays its white rump and yellow wing flashes. Some, but not all, birds migrate south west to Europe in winter.
| Identification |
Red face, rest of head black and white, mainly black wings , black and white tail and brown back.
Both sexes alike. |
| Nesting |
Neat nest of grass, roots, moss and linchen, lined with woollen and down materials. Lays early May–August. 5 or 6 eggs, pale blue, lightly spotted with brown. |
| Eggs |
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| Incubation |
2 days, young fly after 14 days |
| Feeding |
Thistle seed, dandelion and burdock. Fruit of birch, alder trees. Insects for their young |
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