European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Renaissance painters loved it. The most decorated finch in art history, now flying mail.

Population: 101-155 million mature individuals globally (2015 est., BirdLife/IUCN); global trend decreasing overall — moderate European increase 1980-2013 offset by rapid North African decline (>50% of range lost there) due to cagebird trapping
Habitat: Open or sparse deciduous woodland, forest edges, orchards, thickets, heaths, hedgerows, agricultural land, and gardens, from sea level to ~4,200 m
Fun fact: A group of goldfinches is traditionally called a "charm," a name thought to derive from the tinkling, twittering sound of their flock calls.
Range: Native across Europe, North Africa, and western/central Asia (British Isles east through the Balkans, Turkey, Urals, Israel, Azerbaijan, Iran); introduced populations established in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and the US (also Mexico, Bermuda, and the Falkland Islands per some sources)
Diet: Small seeds, especially thistle, teasel, cornflower, and sunflower/nyjer seeds; feeds insects to nestlings
Size: 0.125 m
Wingspan: 0.23 m
Lifespan: 10 years

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