Facts, Information, Scientific Name of European Goldfinch
Let us learn about a seed-eating hovering bird who has a very melodious call.
Common name- European Goldfinch
Scientific Name- Carduelis carduelis
Size- 12cm -13 cm
Type- Aves
Distribution and Habit, Where and how one can spot European Goldfinch?
Temperate countries like North America, Europe, Asks, Africa, Central Asia, etc, consist of the population of European Goldfinch.
This European Goldfinch is found in Forests, Grasslands, Woodlands, Streams, marshy, and riverine areas of Temperate regions. They also dwell in the Gardens and Parks of the cities.
They are diurnal birds (active during the day). The birds hover(fly) on the plants, which are thick bushes or on the dense trees
The call of the European Goldfinch is very melodious.
How one can identify European Goldfinch?
European Goldfinch has Red colour on their Beak, around the eyes and forehead.
The nape (back of the head) is black as well as the head is black.
Breast have brown patches and wings have greyish, Black and yellow wings.
The Beak is conical and Seed- eating type of Beak. They consume seeds of Fruits and Flower buds. But the young chicks are fed with insects to build up the protein in their delicate body.
Breeding, Courtship and Nesting.
Spring season is the Breeding season of European Goldfinch.
These are Monogamous birds that display yellow wings as a part of Courtship.
European Goldfinch females built a Cup nest which is made up of Moss, Twigs, Lichens and plant matter.
Female lays 4-6 eggs and males guard the nests and the territory of the nest.
European Goldfinch incubates the eggs for 11-13 days. Chicks are fed by males. Male hunts and gathers food for the Chicks. The chicks are ‘Altrical’ in nature; which means they cannot walk or even open their eyes for some days. They require constant care and attention for 18 days
They fledge from their nests after 18 days.
Threats.
European Goldfinch is introduced in different countries and they are caged birds due to their aesthetic plumage.
Habitat destruction is also the reason and as they feed on fertilized agricultural seeds they are infected with pesticides which are harmful to their health.
Also See ⇒ Egyptian Vulture