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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. LXXXIV
Field-journal plate: European Goldfinch
The European Goldfinch plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate LXXXIV

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Fringillidae · Taxon 9398

Length12–13 cm
Wingspan21–25 cm
Weight14–19 g

Field marks

  1. Small, compact finch with a long, pointed pale bill and dark eye
  2. Scarlet-red face bordered by a sharply patterned black-and-white head
  3. Warm buff-brown back and flanks contrasting with whitish underparts
  4. Black wings crossed by a broad, vivid yellow bar and marked with small white spots
  5. Strongly notched black tail with white markings
  6. Slender pinkish-flesh legs and feet

HabitatOpen and lightly wooded country, including woodland edges, orchards, hedgerows, gardens, parks, meadows, grasslands, and weedy fields rich in seed-bearing plants.

BehaviorAn agile, vocal seed-eater that often hangs from seedheads and uses its pointed bill to extract seeds. Usually forages in pairs or small groups while breeding, forms larger flocks outside the breeding season, and flies with an undulating motion.

Palette

scarlet redgolden yellowjet blackivory whitewarm buff-brown