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European goldfinch
kōurarini · Carduelis carduelis
Commonly seen in weedy clearings, on thistles and along open edges.
Story
About 500 were released between 1862 and 1883. It is the best liked of the small introduced birds, because it eats the seeds of weeds such as thistles rather than crops.
Behaviour
An acrobatic feeder that hangs upside down from seed heads and flutters from plant to plant. Flocks move in bouncy, undulating flight with tinkling calls. Goldfinches rarely visit bird tables.