This exquisite finch is a real charmer, indeed the collective noun for a number of goldfinches is a "charm". Its beauty as it flutters from plant to plant reminds one more of an exotic butterfly than a bird. It is a seed-eater and likes thistle and ragwort seeds, and is therefore beneficial as well as beautiful. Its neat nest lined with wool and thistledown is often built in an orchard tree. The goldfinch is with us the whole year round. |