Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

Bird Songs

Goldfinch song

Information

New Zealand status: Introduced

Conservation status: Introduced and Naturalised

European Goldfinches are small finches with flashes of bright yellow and red, common in open country throughout New Zealand.

Goldfinches are smaller than a house sparrow, with a bright yellow wingbar visible both in flight and when perched. Wings and tail otherwise black (some white spots near tail tip), contrasting with the buff-brown back. Adults have distinctive bright red, white and black facial feathering. The red is more extensive in the males, especially above and behind the eye. Juveniles have drab brown on the head.

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