..The Goldfinch..
Goldfinches can be found at Corkagh feeding on the seeds of Willowherb and Teasels in Autumn but in recent years they have become one of the most frequent visitors to gardens where they feed on Sunflower hearts.
They are a striking bird, almost exotic, and they have been kept as caged birds in the past. They were kept not only for their striking colour but also for their tinkling song.
They are also the model for the famous 'Angry Bird' which isn't surprising. At the bird feeders they will squabble loudly and vie for dominance. Even the juveniles will argue with any other bird trying to beat them to the bird table.
They flock in familial groups for most of the year but even during the breeding season they will nest close to one another.
The breeding season begins around April and after a brief courtship where the male dances from side to side displaying the yellow banding on his wings and singing to the female, she builds her nest from soft materials like moss and lichens. They prefer to nest higher up in the trees, often in an intersection between two branches.
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| Adult arguing with Sparrow |
The male and female only mate for one breeding season. If they survive to the following year they will find a new partner.
Like most birds the fledglings are pretty helpless at first however they soon learn to make their own way in the world and will fight with each other and even with other small birds for access to food.
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| Fledgling Goldfinch. |
While the juveniles are born with their distinctive black and yellow wingbars they don't develop their red face markings till their autumn moult.
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| This fledgling is already threatening and adult male Sparrow. |
A group of Goldfinches is called a Charm!
In winter Irish Goldfinches are joined by others from Northern Europe. Males and females are almost identical although the male tends to have a larger red patch.
