Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
Primary tabs
CC-BY Kostis Tzortzakakis
Looks like
The goldfinch can be easily recognized by its red face and black and white head, but also by the yellow lines on its otherwise black wings. These colours are more intense in male goldfinches. It is a relatively small bird (around 13 cm). It has a large, conical beak which it uses to crack seeds. It loves cotton thistles from which it picks seeds to feed on. It has a very beautiful, melodic voice.
Where and when to spot it
In the city it can be found mainly in gardens, fields, olive groves and orchards, often in flocks, looking for food. It builds its nests in trees.
Interesting facts
Antonio Vivaldi composed a flute concert called "The goldfinch" ("Il Gardellino"), i (RV 428, Op. 10 No. 3), inspired by the beautiful song of the goldfinch.
