European Goldfinch vs Northern Cardinal
Carduelis carduelis compared with Cardinalis cardinalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | European Goldfinch | Northern Cardinal |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carduelis carduelis | Cardinalis cardinalis |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae | Cardinalidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 13.0 cm (5.1 in) | 22.0 cm (8.7 in) |
| Wingspan | 23.0 cm (9.1 in) | 30.0 cm (11.8 in) |
| Weight | 16.0 g (0.56 oz) | 44.0 g (1.55 oz) |
| Diet | Seeds, especially thistle (Carduus) and teasel seeds, extracted with its precise tweezer-like bill. Also takes … | Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … |
| Clutch Size | 4-6 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
European Goldfinch only
Northern Cardinal only
None
European Goldfinch
Open woodland, orchards, gardens, parks, and weedy fields with seed-bearing plants. Common at garden bird feeders.
Northern Cardinal
Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.
Song & Call Comparison
European Goldfinch
A liquid, tinkling 'swit-swit-swit' in flight and a melodic twittering song. Flocks produce a bright jingling chorus. Male song is a sweet repetitive warble incorporating the flight call.
Northern Cardinal
Loud, clear whistled phrases: 'cheer-cheer-cheer' and 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both male and female sing; female song is softer. Alarm is a sharp metallic 'chink'.
Geographic Range & Migration
European Goldfinch
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America.
Northern Cardinal
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.
Conservation Status
European Goldfinch
Northern Cardinal
How to Tell Them Apart
European Goldfinch
Crimson red face with white cheeks and a black crown. Sandy-brown back with a bright yellow wing bar visible in flight. Black and white tail.
Slender, pointed, ivory-pink bill adapted for extracting seeds from thistles
Northern Cardinal
Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.
Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill
About These Birds
European Goldfinch
The European goldfinch is a strikingly beautiful finch whose tinkling song and colorful plumage have made it popular in art and as a caged bird for centuries. It appears frequently in Renaissance paintings as a symbol of the Passion of Christ. Flocks of goldfinches are charmingly called a charm.
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often in duets. Cardinals do not migrate and their brilliant red plumage against winter snow makes them a favorite among backyard birdwatchers.