Beyond thistle, what other common seed-bearing flora do Goldfinches actively seek out across their European range?
Answer
Dandelion, burdock, and knapweed
Although thistle holds the status of absolute favorite, the European Goldfinch maintains a varied palate consisting of other readily available seeds from composites common in their habitats. Specifically, they are known to actively seek out and feed upon the seeds produced by dandelion, burdock, and knapweed plants. They are often observed during warmer months perched on the tall stalks of these plants, systematically extracting their meal directly from the seed heads, rather than exclusively depending on ground foraging.
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