European Goldfinches breed across Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, in open, partially wooded lowlands. It is resident in the milder west of its range, but migrates from colder regions.
The European Goldfinch is strikingly colored with a beauty red face. Male Goldfinches can often be distinguished by a larger, darker red mask that extends just behind the eye.
It eats small seeds such as thistles and teasels, but insects are also taken when feeding young. It also regularly visits bird feeders in winter.