Unmistakable with their red faces . . . . .

. . .what am I talking about  – Goldfinches of course!  Their Portuguese name is Pintassilgo portugues, and the collective noun is a Charm.

They are wonderful to watch back home in the summer months and here in the Algarve year round, whether they are flitting around in the trees, taking seeds from thistles or sedums or foraging on a feeder containing niger seed. Sometimes there will just be 1 or 2 flying around, and other times a Charm of Goldfinches descends.  It might be their call which catches your attention initially – ‘telitt’ – and then it will be the wonderful plumage which catches your eye. Their beak is quite long and pointed, and they definitely charm you!