Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Carduelis carduelis

Size:  Approx 12 to 13cm long

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK but less frequently in the north of Scotland

Months seen:  All year round but seen more often March to November

Life Span: Average 1 year, but can live more than 8 years (source BTO)

Habitat:  Woodlands, parks, farmland and gardens

Food:  Seeds, especially thistles, teasel and knapweed.  Will also come to garden bird feeders

Special features:  These beautiful little birds have a very distinctive bright red face.  The wings are black with a wide yellow band running in the middle running from root to tip.  The breast and rump are white and the back is pale brown.  The tail is black with white patches.

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