Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

Goldfinch: Mike Langman, RSPB Images

Where to find them: Gardens, parks, commons and hedges

When to hear them: All year round

Diet: Seeds, insects in summer

These spectacular little songbirds are becoming more and more common in gardens along the East London Line. In Tower Hamlets, they were the fifth most common bird in the survey.

This can only be good news because the goldfinch, with its red face, black and yellow wings, tawny back and white belly, is one of Britain’s most colourful birds, and its bright, trickling song and call is a pleasure to hear as well.

They like to visit birdtables and feeders, and their beaks are especially good at getting at hard to access seeds. Populations seem to be doing well in Croydon, Lewisham and Hackney as well.

Top 10 most spotted rating:

Croydon: 10th

Lewisham: 10th

Tower Hamlets: 5th

Hackney: 10th

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