Definition of European Goldfinch

The scientific name of this species is Carduelis carduelis and this name is due to the fact that its main food is thistle (carduelis in Latin). It is a passerine bird, which in colloquial terms is known as a bird. On the other hand, it belongs to the family of finches, that is, those birds with a conical beak and that fly making undulations in the air.

Despite its name, its geographical distribution also includes the continent American, Africa and Asia. The adult goldfinch measures between 11 and 13 cm and weighs about 15 grams. It has a brown back, the head is tricolor and the tail is white and black. The difference of appearance between the male and the female it is very small (for example, the red color on the head is less intense in females).

Curiosities

- It is used to hybridize with other finches, especially canaries.

- Formerly this bird was used in the underground galleries of mining activities, because with the singing The bird was better tolerated the harsh working conditions.

- Fans of birdsong value the European goldfinch, as it is one of the most gifted birds for music.

- It feeds on insects and especially on seeds, which it can easily obtain due to the shape of its beak.

- During mating the male shows aggressive behavior and fights between males occur with some frequency.

- Females are true experts in the building of the nests. Normally each nest is made up of a compact mass that includes different elements (moss, dry herbs and small roots and feathers are placed inside to better accommodate the hatchlings).

- During the incubation period the females do not separate from the nest and are fed by the male.

The European goldfinch and other finches are captured to organize songbird contests

Songbird fans often organize contests and activities where the birds' musical abilities are displayed. This type of competition is known as silvestrismo. It is a tradition millennial and there are references to it in Egyptian and Greek mythology.

The silvestristas capture the songbirds and for this they use a net with wild plants to attract the goldfinches (in this way they are captured alive and do not receive any damage). However, ornithologists and animal advocates are opposed to silvestrism, since this form of hunting puts in danger the preservation of species.

Fotolia photos: mountaintreks / suzbah