European goldfinch

The European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis, is a small finch of the family Fringillidae found across the Palearctic zone of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, inhabiting open, partially wooded lowlands. It measures 12 to 13 centimeters long with a wingspan of 21 to 25 centimeters; breeding males show a red face with black markings around the eyes and a black-and-white head, buff or chestnut-brown back and flanks, black wings with a broad yellow bar, a black tail and a white rump, with females similar but showing a slightly smaller red facial area. It is resident in milder western parts of its range but migrates from colder areas, favors small seeds from thistles, sunflowers, cornflowers and teasels, and typically raises two broods a year, sometimes three. Introduced to Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, the United States and elsewhere in the 19th century, it is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and has long held a place in Christian art as a symbol of Christ's Passion.