Goldfinch: Females, Singing & Nest Building

What do goldfinches eat? When is the goldfinch breeding season? In our profile you will find everything you should know about the goldfinch, also known as goldfinch.

We can probably all think of something better than sitting on a scratchy thistle looking for its seeds - not the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). With its long, pointed beak it has conquered a food niche and specializes in the seeds of sunflower plants, such as burdock or thistles. Because of this particular preference, the goldfinch, which belongs to the finch family, is also known as the "goldfinch". Corresponding to this food source, the goldfinch prefers open cultivated landscapes with wild ones Fields and meadows as living space, which are caused by the increasing intensification of these structures are at risk. To draw attention to this loss, the goldfinch was named "Bird of the Year" in 2016 - as a flagship for all the species that are affected by a structurally rich and lively landscape benefit. Further information about our colorful, native songbird can be found here in our large goldfinch profile.

Goldfinch: Wanted poster

size	About 12 cm
weight	About 15 g
Breeding season	May - August
lifespan	About 5 years
habitat	Open cultural landscapes, parks and gardens
Feed preference	Sunflower and tree seeds, occasionally insects
Threats	Loss of habitat through the intensification of cultivated landscapes

This is how you recognize the goldfinch

The goldfinch is definitely one of our most eye-catching garden visitors. He is often in the company of several conspecifics and can rarely behave calmly. Its plain, brown back and white belly contrast with its black and white drawn head, the scarlet face and the bright yellow band on the black and white Wings. Because of this dazzling appearance, the goldfinch became popular in the 19th century. Century also often kept as a cage bird, which is of course strictly forbidden today.

How does the goldfinch singing sound?

Goldfinches or goldfinches have a very lively and almost excited song, which is composed of hectic whistling tones and trilling stanzas. The calls that are built into the singing or that sound individually are also very characteristic Goldfinch is one of the few birds that call out their own name: "Stieglitt-stieglitt-stieglitt".

You can find out what the goldfinch song sounds like here:

How do you recognize the young goldfinch?

Young goldfinches are not quite as conspicuous as the adult birds because they lack the typical black-white-red head markings. With the help of their long, pointed finch bills, the wing covers drawn in black and white and the intensely yellow wing bandage, the young birds are nevertheless very easy to identify.

How do you recognize your eggs?

The female goldfinch lays four to six pale blue eggs that are about 2 centimeters tall and covered with reddish brown spots. The nest itself is made from stalks and fine stems and carefully padded with feathers and the soft fruit hairs of the thistles.

How do you differentiate between male and female goldfinches?

At first glance, female and male goldfinches are not very different. On closer inspection, however, the males appear a little more intensely colored. In the female goldfinches, the yellow and black of the wings are a little more dull and the red complexion is weaker and less Extended: While the red extends behind the eye in the males, it only reaches about the front half of the in the females Eye.

Which habitat does the goldfinch prefer?

The goldfinch prefers open, but structured habitats such as fields and meadows with smaller stands of hedges and trees. "Wild" areas with perennials, shrubs and other seed-bearing plants that serve as a food source are always important. He also feels at home in parks and wild gardens.

Where does the goldfinch build its nest?

The goldfinch builds its nest in trees and higher hedges or bushes. This is constructed in the shape of a bowl and camouflaged on the outside with lichen. The female is responsible for building the nest.

When is the goldfinch breeding season?

Goldfinches breed from May to August. During this time they can raise between one and three broods. The females incubate each clutch for about 14 days and are provided with food by the males in the meantime. After hatching, the male continues to bring food, mainly in the form of seeds, which the female softens in her crop and then gives the young birds to eat. Young goldfinches leave the nest after about two weeks and then look for food in small groups.

What does the goldfinch do in winter?

Just like in summer, goldfinches are sociable birds in winter too. They are considered Resident birds in Germany and can therefore be found in their breeding areas all year round. Often they are in smaller or larger groups, accompanied by Girlitzen or Greenfinches looking for food. The colorful contemporaries can also often be seen at feeding stations in winter and, thanks to their striking appearance, offer a wonderful incentive for Bird watching - also for the inexperienced eye and the bird novice.

This is how you can support goldfinches

As its natural habitat continues to decline, the goldfinch is increasingly dependent on man-made habitats such as parks and gardens. However, since these are often inadequately equipped with food and nesting facilities, you will find useful tips here with which you can support the goldfinch in your own garden.

What do goldfinches eat?

Goldfinches feed primarily on the seeds of various composites. But they also use tree seeds or insects as food - the latter especially as a food additive for rearing young animals. If you want to offer the colorful garden birds additional food in winter, you should also use seeds such as linseed or thistle seeds.

But sunflower seeds and broken peanuts are also suitable as winter food. Our Plantura Sunflower seeds for wild birds for example can easily be offered in a feed silo or in a bird feeder both in the garden and on the balcony. The peeled, high-energy kernels with extra vitamins, honey and iodine help the goldfinches and many other wild birds through the winter.

Which nest boxes are suitable for goldfinches?

In fact, goldfinches rarely nest in nesting boxes. If you still want to try your luck, you should use a half-cave box. In contrast to a normal cave box, this does not have a small entrance hole, but a larger opening, which is preferred by species that actually build their nests outdoors. What the goldfinch is even happier about, however, are natural nesting opportunities in the form of hedges and bushes.

How can you give the goldfinch additional support?

Another way of promoting the goldfinch in your own garden is through a large portion of structure and wilderness. So why not just let the annoying "weeds" stand or tolerate a thistle? You could be rewarded with a colorful garden visitor! In order to be able to digest the grains properly, plenty of water is also important for the goldfinch. In summer you can support the small birds with a bird bath.

Tip: A simple trivet or bowl can also be used as a bird bath. It is only important that the container is placed out of the reach of cats and cleaned regularly.

You can also get involved through the targeted selection of certain plants Make the garden bird-friendly. Hedges and bushes offer nesting opportunities for many garden birds and a wild meadow with native flowering plants ensures a rich supply of food. With our Plantura beneficial insect magnet create a true paradise for insects and other small animals that not only enliven your garden, but also attract many feathered visitors.

If your interest in the small garden birds has been aroused, then take a look at our species portraits Wren, nuthatch or robin stop by and get to know other native species.