Goldfinches are strikingly beautiful examples of the finch family. They are almost tropical in appearance, with long, pointed beaks that make them specialists in extracting seeds. Surprisingly, it is only the males that are able to extract seeds from teasel heads; they cling to the stem and tear into it, accessing the seeds inside by probing with their extra-long bill.

Outside the breeding season, goldfinches roam in flocks in search of food and groups of 100 birds are quite common. They have beautiful liquid songs for which they have historically been kept caged. Although, they will eat insects, goldfinches are notoriously partial to niger seeds.

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