Behaviour and ecology European goldfinch

a nest , eggs.


breeding

the nest built entirely female , completed within week. male accompanies female not contribute. nest neat , compact , located several meters above ground, hidden leaves in twigs @ end of swaying branch. constructed of mosses , lichens , lined plant down such thistles. attached twigs of tree spider silk. deep cup prevents loss of eggs in windy weather. beginning within couple of days after completion of nest, eggs laid in morning @ daily intervals. clutch typically 4-6 eggs whitish reddish-brown speckles. have smooth surface , glossy. average size 17.3 mm × 13.0 mm (0.68 in × 0.51 in) calculated weight of 1.53 g (0.054 oz). eggs incubated 11–13 days female fed male. chicks fed both parents. receive mixture of seeds , insects grow proportion of insect material decreases. first 7–9 days young brooded female. nestlings fledge 13–18 days after hatching. young birds fed both parents further 7–9 days. parents typically raise 2 broods each year , three.

feeding

the goldfinch s preferred food small seeds such thistles (the latin name carduus, genus of thistles) , teasels, insects taken when feeding young. regularly visits bird feeders in winter. in winter goldfinches group form flocks of forty, more. goldfinches attracted gardens in europe , north america birdfeeders containing niger (commercially described nyjer) seed. seed of annual south asia small, , high in oils. special polycarbonate feeders small oval slits @ goldfinches feed used.