Hello everybody and welcome to the next instalment of VoiceforWildlife where today we will be exploring a small bird that swarms gardens, especially if they are situated near open fields. Bringing a flash of exotic colour to the cold and rain of the UK- the Goldfinch.
With a length of 12cm and a healthy wingspan of up to 25cm these birds can easily hold their position on the bird feeders. The front of their heads are coated with a collection of blood red feathers that merge into two white patches on each side of the head. These are then blocked by a large black strip that protrudes from the head down towards the neck ending with another small white patch at the base of the neck. Their breast is a caramel brown which joins to a crisp white under belly that concludes with a small ball of feathers at the top of each leg. The ridge of the back is a slightly darker version of the breast that is out done by a sudden 'burst' of colour on the wing feathers. They begin with a deep blue-black which leaks neatly into a solid, luminous gold that gives this finch its name. Each golden strap then merges back into the same blue-black feathers this time occasionally coated by a group of small white spots, which appear like drops of paint. Then the back of the body spreads into a thin white stream before ending with a small collection blue feathers. Each eye is also covered by a black strip before extending into a bulky, faded pink beak. All of these features occur in both males and females.
These birds mainly live in rural areas due to the abundance of trees and seed producing plants. Goldfinches are mainly seed eaters as their bill is a prime example of evolution, being perfect for breaking open tough shells. They are most common in southern England living in hedges, bushes, fields of crops, parks and large collections of thistles. In the wild they feed on Dandelion seeds, birch and a great variety of many others, moreover insects are also on the menu when they are available however they will migrate as far as Spain in harsh winters. As bird feeders begin to flood gardens across the UK these birds have become frequent visitors, encouraging wildlife charities and companies to release specialised products to encourage these birds further. Goldfinches favour Nyger seeds, small thin black stick- like seeds, which are too small to be placed into a normal feeder. Nyger seed feeders have thin slits in the sides to allow the Goldfinches special beaks to fit through and are sold for around £10.
Their nests are cup shaped and, much like the Long-Tailed Tit, are made from lichen, moss, wire, grass and even wool provided from specialised ceramic holders, however these nests do not contain a roof and are open to harsh weather and predators such as rats. The female builds these alone on branches, with breeding beginning from the end of April. Up to eight eggs will be insulated for around 15 days by the female before they hatch and are continuously fed by both parents. The young will then fledge around 20 days later. There population is steady with 313,000 territories and 100,000 wintering Goldfinches in the United Kingdom.These birds rarely use nest boxes.
So next time you here these birds projecting their rapid song (similar to that of a robins although faster) stop, listen and enjoy the lively Goldfinch, bringing a flood of colour to a dull, dreary day.
-please feel free to ask or send me any questions you may have and I will be happy to answer-
(No credit is taken for the photo)