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By Alexander Wetmore
The European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a handsome fellow of gay plumage, a
prime favorite abroad, and is often brought to
America (Color Plate III). It may be excitable when first captured, but with a little atten-
tion soon becomes tame.
In its native home it ranges through Europe
and northern Africa to Palestine and western
Asia, several geographic forms distinguished by
slight differences in color being found in this
region. The song is pleasing and, coupled with
the bright plumage, makes the bird most attractive.
Common about gardens and cultivated lands,
the European goldfinch often nests near houses.
Its cup-shaped nest holds from three to six
bluish-white eggs spotted with brown.
The bird is one that has been transported
often to other lands, and now is established in
Bermuda, New Zealand, and in various places
in Australia. For a while there was a colony
in and about New York City, but after a time
the birds did not thrive and their introduction
there has been called a failure.
Originally appeared in the December 1938 issue of the National Geographic Magazine
This Web version COPYRIGHT 2004
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