European Goldfinch

The European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is one of Europe’s most beautiful native finches — a compact, colorful bird with a brilliant red face mask, contrasting black and white head, and vivid yellow wing bars that flash in flight. Their charming, liquid tinkling song and bold, active personality make them one of the most popular finch species in aviculture worldwide. NOTE: This product (ID 270) may be a duplicate of ID 227 (also European Goldfinch, $125). Keep this listing (it has a description) and remove ID 227.

Song and Character

The European Goldfinch is a delight to keep. Males are persistent singers producing a bright liquid tinkling song throughout most of the year. Their active, bold nature and extraordinary plumage make them focal birds in any mixed finch collection. They tend to be curious and relatively bold around humans once settled.

Care Requirements

Goldfinches do best in spacious flights or aviaries. Feed quality canary/finch seed mix with a generous proportion of niger (nyjer/thistle) seed — a goldfinch favorite. Also provide dandelion seeds in season, fresh greens, egg food during breeding, and fresh water daily. They can be somewhat sensitive to cold damp conditions — provide adequate shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are European Goldfinches good singers?

Excellent singers. Males produce a bright, charming, liquid tinkling song that is one of the most appealing of any small finch. They sing frequently throughout the year outside of molt.

Are they easy to keep?

Reasonably easy with proper space and diet. They need space to fly and a diet that includes niger seed. Hardy and adaptable once their basic requirements are met.

Can they be kept with canaries?

Yes, European Goldfinches are sometimes kept with canaries and have historically been used in crosses (mules) to produce birds with combined traits.

Related Pages

Finchies category page  |  Siberian Goldfinch  |  Black Hooded Siskin

Learn more about the European Goldfinch