Colourful in more ways than one, the goldfinch ( Carduelis carduelis) is one of Britian's most attractive birds and through learning a little more about this delightful bird it is possible to see them more often and even attract them regularly into your own garden. Goldfinches in captivity The usual lifespan of a European goldfinch in the wild is around two years, but when the species has been kept in captivity, a maximum age of 8 years and 8 months has been recorded. Goldfinches breed for the first time when they reach one year. What are the predators of European Goldfinches? Relatively shallow is good, so a medium plant saucer works well if you haven't got space for a birdbath. Favourite foods? The multi-faceted teasel has a delightful pink flower which is attractive to bees and butterflies, its dried seed head is also very popular in dried flower arrangements. It is a biennial, flowering once every two years, so to have flowers and seed heads each year it is necessary to plant them in two successive years. Goldfinches are relatively small members of the finch family, in comparison to the larger hawfinch, bullfinch, crossbill, greenfinch and chaffinch. Siskins and serins are smaller than goldfinches. Males and females are roughly the same size and weight.

Charm of Goldfinches - Jackie Morris - Limited Last One! Charm of Goldfinches - Jackie Morris - Limited

Results from the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch confirms the trend with the goldfinch holding the number 6 position for the last three years. Across those three years goldfinches have been spotted in approximately 30% of gardens during the once a year survey.Once you have attracted goldfinches to the garden it is possible to keep them coming throughout the year by providing niger seed in a special feeder available from bird food retailers.

Goldfinches - Grammar Monster Collective Noun for Goldfinches - Grammar Monster

The goldfinches have remained regular visitors. Never alone, the first goldfinches I spotted in the garden came as a pair. Ever since goldfinch numbers have steadily increased. With several juvenile goldfinches, recognizable by the absence of the red head, being included among the groups of goldfinches. Insects, including bugs, moths, beetles and flies, form a smaller part of a goldfinch’s diet, particularly during early spring and in the breeding season. Spiders and larvae are also eaten. Goldfinches leave nesting until later in the season than most other garden birds. Their first brood hatches around June and subsequent broods hatch as late as September. They choose this strategy so that the birth of their young coincides with times of plentiful food.Smaller spaces or on a budget?If you only have space for one feeder, then you might want to consider a seed mix to get a range of birds feeding. There are various mixes available or you can mix your own, using oats & various grains. You can also make your own suet mix, re-filling coconut halves or shaping as you require. Don't forget to put out water. If you have the space, it can be useful to have a selection of feeding areas in the garden.Different areas can give space for different family groups to eat.