European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

European Goldfinch

The European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is native to Europe, western and central Asia, as well as parts of northern Africa. Due to their pretty plumage and pleasing voice, the finches have been kept as cage birds for many centuries and escapees eventually formed populations in a number of additional places including Australia, New Zealand, and South America. The birds favor open or partially wooded lowlands, but can also be found in parks and gardens. Only the northernmost populations migrate south during the winter months. Goldfinches feed mainly on seeds, especially those of thistles, and can also be seen at bird feeders. Because of this preference for thistles, the birds became a symbol for the passion of Christ (“crown of thorns”) and can be seen in many paintings of this scene created during the last centuries. I once heard a nice tale saying that a goldfinch pulled the thorns from the forehead of Christ to ease his suffering and due to his blood, the head of the goldfinch turned red. I have photographed these colourful birds in northern Germany during the Easter holidays (April 2015) – how appropriate!

European Goldfinch

20 responses to “European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)”

Love the colours of this bird! It is very beautiful!

matthias1982 April 11, 2015 at 5:21 pm · · Reply →

🙂 i think so, too!

Interesting information and a perfect thought for Easter time. Thank you !

matthias1982 April 11, 2015 at 6:44 pm · · Reply →

thank you for your comment! 🙂

I was so happy when I saw them in the UK last summer. Love that you shared some info about them. Great photos too! 🙂

matthias1982 April 12, 2015 at 7:55 am · · Reply →

thank you!! I am happy that you like the photos!! 🙂

Beautiful little bird Matthias! Are both the male and female this colourful?

matthias1982 April 12, 2015 at 7:59 am · · Reply →

thank you! yes, both sexes look very much alike, but the red mask of the female is slightly smaller…

A charm of Goldfinches at Easter – perfect.

matthias1982 April 13, 2015 at 7:54 am · · Reply →

thank you!! 🙂

WOW! What a beautiful little bird. Great pictures.

matthias1982 April 13, 2015 at 12:02 pm · · Reply →

thank you!! 🙂

Very interesting information on this little bird! 🙂

matthias1982 April 15, 2015 at 6:49 pm · · Reply →

thank you! 🙂 glad you like it!

So glad I came across this blog, I love wildlife pictures:) This Goldfinch is beautiful – what a colour scheme!

matthias1982 May 2, 2015 at 8:33 pm · · Reply →

thank you!! 🙂 I am happy that you like the blog and wildlife!! there is so much to explore outdoors!! 🙂