European goldfinch: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
European goldfinch eggs hatch after 12–14 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 14–17 days and are weaned and independent at about 30–35 days. A typical clutch is 4–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 14-19 (major up to 22) |
| Length (cm) | 12-13 |
| Clutch size | 4-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 12-14 |
| Fledging (days) | 14-17 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 30-35 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 10–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 10-15 |
| Breeding season | Apr-Jul (one or two rounds) |
| Sexing | Cock: red mask extends behind the eye, black nostril bristles, darker shoulder, larger; hen red stops at eye line, brownish shoulder. |
Origin: Europe, North Africa and western Asia — Scientific name: Carduelis carduelis
Size: 12-13 cm, 14-19 (major up to 22) g
Breeding and care tips
Top song bird in the Maghreb and Levant; crossed with canary to make the 'mule' (hybrid), usually sterile. Needs thistle/niger, wild seeding plants and insects while rearing. Keep only closed-rung captive-bred birds (wild-take is illegal in most countries).
Mutations and colours
Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Brown, Agate, Pastel, Satinette, Opal, Dominant white, Dominant yellow, White-head.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Budgerigar
- Canary
- Zebra finch
- Red-headed finch
- Gouldian finch
- Bengalese society finch
- Java sparrow
- Owl finch
Frequently asked questions
How long do European goldfinch eggs take to hatch?
European goldfinch eggs hatch after 12-14 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a European goldfinch lay?
Usually 4-6 eggs per clutch.
When do European goldfinch chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 14-17 days old.
When are European goldfinch chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 30-35 days.
At what age can a European goldfinch breed?
A European goldfinch reaches breeding age at about 10–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the European goldfinch breeding season?
Apr-Jul (one or two rounds)
How do you tell a male European goldfinch from a female?
Cock: red mask extends behind the eye, black nostril bristles, darker shoulder, larger; hen red stops at eye line, brownish shoulder.
How long does a European goldfinch live?
About 10-15 years with good care.