Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
Year-round. Flocks.
Best time of day
Morning. That tinkling.
Lake District
Gardens. Woodland edge. Thistles. That red face. Yellow wing. Flocks. Common. That tinkling call. Increased.
UK population
Around 1.2 million pairs. Increased.
Overview
Goldfinches have a red face. That yellow wing. Tinkling call. Gardens. Thistles. Flocks. Common. Increased. Easy to see.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Habitat | Gardens · Woodland edge · Thistles |
| Diet | Seeds. Thistle specialist. |
| UK population | Around 1.2 million pairs. Increased. |
| Lake District | Gardens. Woodland edge. Thistles. That red face. Yellow wing. Flocks. Common. That tinkling call. Increased. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Gardens, woodland edge, thistles. The valleys. That red face. Yellow wing. Flocks. Common.
Identification
Red face. Yellow wing. Tinkling call. Flocks. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Gardens. Thistles. That red face. Flocks. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.