Goldfinch | Hainault Forest

Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

TQ4792 20/01/2024 ©Raymond Small

By far the most common type of finch seen in Hainault Forest usually appearing in large groups. They feed on seeds of thistle, teasel and other plants. Their fine beaks allow them to extract otherwise inaccessible seeds from plants. In the past the species was also called the 'Thistle Finch' due to its liking for thistle seed.