Goldfinches are attracted to back gardens with specially designed birdfeeders containing Niger seed, which seems irresistible to goldfinches. British Bird Food also have their own Goldfinch food, called Finch Food, which is a special blend of seeds for all species of Finch, and will attract a wider variety of Finch to your garden.
Goldfinches are commonly kept and bred in captivity around the world because of their distinctive appearance and pleasant song. In some countries, the Goldfinch males are crossed with Canary females, that often capture the best singing attributes of both breeds.
Their diet in the wild is small seeds such as thistles and teasels, (similar to Niger seed) but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits garden bird feeders in winter. They nest in the outer twigs of tall leafy trees,
In the winter they group together to form flocks of up to about 40 birds, occasionally more. A flock of Goldfinches is called a charm. Many UK goldfinches migrate as far south as Spain.
Wingspan
24cm
Status in UK
Resident Breeder/Migrant
Length
12cm
Weight
17g
Number of broods
2
Conservation Status UK
Green
Number in Britain
600,000
Fledging
14-17 days
Age at First Breeding
1 year
First clutch laid
Late April
Typical Lifespan
2 years
Maximum Recorded Age
8 years, 8 months
Habitat
Woodland, farmland, open country .Also found in Reed beds
First Record
8th Century
Egg Size
17x13mm
Egg Weight
1.5 g
Clutch Size
5 eggs
Incubation
13-15 days