Goldfinch (carduelis carduelis)

Size: 13cm, 15gm/16gm (male/female)

Description: Small finch with bright gold bars on black wings. Vibrant red face, white ear coverts and sides of neck. Crown black, upper parts and breast soft brown, tail black. Juvenile pale brown, straked and spotted but wings and tail coloured as adult.

Habitat: Spread widely throughout New Zealand. Frequents farmland, orchards, parks and gardens.

Status: Abundent European introduction. Widespread and common.

Breeding: October - March. Females build nest from dry grass, twigs, moss and wool. 1-2 broods per season, each with 2-6 eggs.

Distinguishing Features: Gold bars on black wings, bright red face, undulating flight.

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