Bird Watching or Twitching in Andalucia Southern Spain
February 2006 - Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis
This bird is a widespread resident but during winter the numbers are boosted by visitors from northern Europe. The Goldfinch favours meadows and arable land, preferably with lots of seed bearing plants. There are large numbers of them in the coastal area between Tarifa and Conil and they are easy to recognise. They are the only bird in the region with yellow wing bars and a white rump. This, together with its black cap and red and white face markings and black and white tail feathers make it unmistakeable and one of our most attractive birds.