When it comes to birds with orange plumage that are commonly found in UK gardens, the most likely candidate is the goldfinch. Goldfinches are small songbirds with brightly colored plumage that includes a red face and yellow wing patches. Here’s a quick overview of goldfinches and why they are the most likely orange garden bird in the UK:
Goldfinch Description
Goldfinches (scientific name: Carduelis carduelis) are small passerine birds in the finch family. They have a wingspan of around 8.5-12.5 cm and weigh between 12-19 grams. Their plumage is predominantly brown and black, with notable bright yellow wing patches and white markings. Goldfinch faces are bright red, earning them the nickname ‘red cap’. Their most distinctive feature is their bright yellow-orange patch on their wings.
Goldfinch Habits
Goldfinches are granivorous, feeding mainly on small seeds from thistles, teasels, annual meadow-grass, dandelion and alder trees. They supplement their diet with small insects like aphids during the breeding season. Goldfinches are social birds, foraging in flocks outside of breeding season. They breed later than most birds, with pairing and nesting occurring May-July. They build intricate woven nests in trees or shrubs.
Goldfinches in UK Gardens
Goldfinches are resident across most of the UK, and are commonly seen in gardens seeking food. Numbers increased by 120% from 1970-2015 thanks to provision of bird feeders. Their acrobatic feeding behaviors as they hang upside down to extract seeds are entertaining to observe. Nyjer seed feeders are particularly attractive to goldfinches. They will also forage on the ground for fallen seed.
Other Orange UK Garden Birds
While goldfinches are the most likely orange bird in UK gardens, a few other species may occasionally exhibit some orange plumage:
- Bullfinch – Males have pinkish-orange chests and grey backs.
- Reed bunting – Often pinkish breast and neck markings.
- Yellowhammer – Males have yellow and orange heads.
- House sparrow – Some males may have orange-brown plumage.
However, none of these have plumage that is distinctly orange overall like the goldfinch. So when an orange bird appears at a UK garden feeder or bird table, it’s almost certainly going to be a vibrant goldfinch.
Conclusion
With its bright red face and bold yellow-orange wing patches, the goldfinch stands out as the most distinctly orange-colored garden bird likely to be spotted in the UK. Their acrobatic feeding behaviors and cheery appearance make them a delightful garden visitor. While other birds may show some orange markings, none match the goldfinch’s overall orange plumage. So if you spot a shock of orange at your bird feeder, you can bet it’s a goldfinch!
Bird Species | Orange Plumage |
---|---|
Goldfinch | Bright orange wing patches |
Bullfinch | Orange chest (males only) |
Reed bunting | Pinkish-orange breast |
Yellowhammer | Orange head (males only) |
House sparrow | Orange-brown plumage (some males) |
Goldfinch Feeding Tips
Here are some tips to attract goldfinches to your garden:
- Set up nyjer seed feeders – the small seeds are perfect for goldfinches.
- Offer crushed eggshells – they provide calcium for breeding birds.
- Add thistle seed heads – allows natural feeding behaviors.
- Provide drinking and bathing water.
- Don’t locate feeders too close to cover – goldfinches are nervous birds.
Goldfinch Population in the UK
According to the RSPB, there are an estimated 1.5 million breeding pairs of goldfinches in the UK. The UK goldfinch population trends over recent decades are:
- 1970s – estimated at fewer than 200,000 breeding pairs, making them a scarce bird.
- 1981-1995 – population begins increasing across the UK.
- 1995-2015 – numbers increased by an estimated 120%.
- 2015 – population estimated at 1.5 million breeding pairs.
Goldfinch population growth is attributed to milder winters, urban gardens providing food sources, and a decrease in trapping for the cagebird trade.
Interesting Goldfinch Facts
- Their scientific name Carduelis is derived from the Latin for thistle, referring to their favorite food source.
- Only the males have the bold red face.
- The orange color comes from carotenoids obtained from their seed diet.
- They molt twice a year, briefly taking on a duller plumage.
- They’re very sociable, sometimes gathering in flocks of over 100 birds.
- They have a twittering, melodious song and calls.
Threats and Conservation
Goldfinches have bounced back from population declines caused by trapping for the cagebird trade and habitat loss. Their adaption to gardens has assisted the population increase. They face potential threats from:
- Harsh winters – can reduce survival rates.
- Parasitic disease – trichomonosis has caused mortality.
- Predators – domestic cats kill many garden birds annually.
- Climate change – affects timing of food sources.
Backyard bird feeders provide a vital supplemental winter food source. Continuing RSPB monitoring tracks goldfinch population trends.