Goldfinch

🔍 Overview

Bright, musical, and common, the Goldfinch is one of Sussex’s most recognisable garden and countryside finches.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Small (12–13 cm)
Plumage: Red face, gold wing flashes, black and white head
Distinctive Marks: Vibrant red mask
Bill: Slim and pointed
Tail: Short
Flight: Bouncy and undulating

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Widespread across Sussex gardens, hedgerows, and meadows.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Pleasant, twittering song and melodic calls. Sociable and often in flocks.

🍴 Diet

Seeds—especially thistles and teasels, also Niger seed at feeders.

📸 Birding Tip

Grow seed-rich plants or use Niger seed feeders to attract them in winter.