Female European Goldfinches: A Complete Guide

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) are some of the most beautiful birds we have been fortunate enough to find in English gardens.

If you love these birds, you know that distinguishing females from males can be a challenge. So, today, we’re looking at female goldfinches to help you identify them in your garden or field.

What is the Difference Between Male and Female Goldfinch?

The main visual difference between female and male goldfinches is the red mask around the face. The female’s red mask does not extend as far behind the eyes as the male. However, some crossovers exist, making it difficult to use face masks as a method of determining the sex of a goldfinch.

Female goldfinches always nest during the breeding season, which is the best way to tell the sexes apart. If you see a goldfinch with nest material in its beak, it is most likely a female.

Male (right) and female (left) goldfinch perched on a tree

What does a female goldfinch look like?

Female goldfinches look very similar to male goldfinches, which is why it can be tricky to tell the difference between a female and a female. They have red masks, white cheeks, black hats and gold and black wing feathers with a tinge of brown on the back.

However, careful people will notice that the red mask of the female is smaller than that of the male. Both sexes have red feathers that look a bit like masks. However, males have visors that extend beyond their eyes and almost to the back of their heads. However, women’s masks barely extend beyond their eyes.

You might think, then, that spotting a female goldfinch would be easy if only nature made it so easy. Many males have been found wearing red masks that closely resemble female masks. So, while red masks on gender can be used to identify gender in general, it’s not an exact science.

Close-up of a female goldfinch

behavioral difference

Behavioral differences are one of the best ways to identify a female goldfinch. During the breeding season, female goldfinches build nests. So if you see a goldfinch with twigs, grass, moss, or hair in its beak, there’s a good chance it’s a female.

Male goldfinches also sing much louder than females. This is because males are trying to attract females. So, if you have a rowdy goldfinch in your garden, it’s likely to be a male, especially before the February-March breeding season. Once the breeding season is in full swing, i.e. in late April, there will also be fewer female goldfinch around you. This is because they are protecting the eggs and the male will bring them food during this time. Therefore, most of the Goldfinches you see in late April and early May are males.

Female Goldfinch gathering nesting material

sing and call

Male goldfinches sing much more than females. Their songs are very similar, but the male uses his song to attract the females. So while you can’t tell the sex of a goldfinch just by its song and call, if it sings a lot, there’s a good chance it’s a male.

From early February to around April, male goldfinches will flirt with any female they can find. Interestingly, though, goldfinch are monogamous for the most part. Some males may have several females in different nests, but most are strictly a single type of male.

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

nesting and feeding

The female goldfinch builds the nest for the eggs alone. However, both parents tend to look for good locations. Finches like to nest in bushes and hedges. They prefer a dense environment to hide their eggs, but in an open area. So, for example, instead of nesting in forests, they will happily nest in well-covered gardens.

The female builds her nest out of lichen, moss, grass, and twigs, and then uses wool and hair as a lining. Occasionally, female goldfinches also take the time to decorate their nests with flowers. Probably because the male can’t find the nest after being out overnight, so the flower is an arrow pointing in the right direction.

The female also sits on the eggs until they hatch. This takes about two weeks. It is the male’s job to feed her while she guards her eggs. After hatching, both adults feed the chicks until they leave the nest about two weeks later. However, the parents will continue to care for the chicks for two to three weeks after leaving the nest.

Female goldfinch broods her own eggs

Can a female goldfinch raise her offspring alone?

If a male goldfinch leaves a female to fend for herself, it will be a challenge for her to raise her chicks on her own. During the early stages of the brooding period, the male feeds while the female sits on the eggs. This part of the brooding period can be very difficult without males.

We cannot say that it is impossible for a female goldfinch to raise her young alone, as this may have happened during the millions of years these birds existed. But let’s just say, female goldfinches really struggle.

Laying eggs and keeping them warm and safe are their top priorities at this stage of the breeding season. Laying eggs requires a lot of energy, so they are exhausted for a few days after this. It is impossible for them to eat without the strength to fly.

However, if the male leaves after this stage of the breeding season, there is a good chance the female will raise the young herself. After the chicks hatch, both parents feed them. If a female has a brood of 1-3 chicks, she can certainly handle it.