European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Audubon Illustration

John James Audubon, Birds of America (1827-1838). Public domain.

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About the European Goldfinch

The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small passerine bird in the finch family that is native to the Palearctic zone in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It has been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and the United States. The breeding male has a red face with black markings around the eyes, and a black-and-white head. Its back and flanks are buff or chestnut brown. Its black wings feature a broad yellow bar. Its tail is black and its rump is white. Males and females are very similar, but females have a slightly smaller red area on their face. The goldfinch is often depicted in Italian Renaissance paintings of the Madonna and Child.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Carduelis carduelis
Family: Finches, Euphonias, and Allies
Order: Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the finches, euphonias, and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

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