Goldfinch - 1994

Breeding resident

Mathew (1894) remarked that Goldfinches remained abundant in Pembrokeshire despite great numbers being taken in the autumn by bird-catchers. Bird- catching had largely died out by the time of Lloyd's diaries of 1927-1933, in which he detailed a summer distribution that was very similar to the current situation. Lockley et al. (1949) described them as common. They breed in all parts of Pembrokeshire where there are suitable scattered trees, but are absent from open mountain areas, deep woodland and the offshore islands. At an estimated average density of 15-20 pairs per tetrad a county total of between 4,000 and 6,000 pairs is suggested.

After the breeding season family parties gather along the roadside verges, which are now important feeding areas for finches. The County Council have a policy of not spraying the verges and they become rich with grasses and other seed bearing plants which are largely absent from the mostly weed-free fields of today's agricultural landscape.

There is a marked spring arrival from late March to early May, when they reoccupy breeding grounds that have been deserted during the winter and occur on the islands, where some continue to pass until mid-June.

Although occasional flocks are encountered during the winter it is probable that many emigrate, though we know of no ringing recoveries to confirm this. A small coastal passage has been noted between early September and November, when up to 35 a day move south while others head west towards Ireland. Goldfinches land on the offshore islands, including Grassholm, at this time.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 85

Orange = breeding probable = 113

Yellow = breeding possible = 96

Total tetrads in which registered = 294 (61.5%)

Donovan J.W. & Rees G.H (1994), Birds of Pembrokeshire