European goldfinches in a sunflower field, Germany

© Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH/Alam

European goldfinches

Bright flashes of red, gold and black dart through meadows and hedgerows—European goldfinches are hard to miss. These small birds are widespread across Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia, favouring open woodlands, orchards and gardens. Their pointed beaks are perfect for extracting seeds from teasels and thistles, though they also eat insects during the breeding season.

When spring rolls around, males turn up the charm with soft songs and fluttery aerial dances to impress potential mates. Once a pair is formed, the female takes the lead in nest-building, crafting a sturdy little home in tree branches. After about two weeks of incubation, the chicks hatch. Both parents feed the chicks a mix of seeds and insects until they fledge in about two weeks. Outside of the breeding season, goldfinches are all about teamwork. They form groups called 'charms' that roam the countryside, searching for food. Some migrate, others don't—it all depends on the weather and seed supply.