What is the absolute favorite food source for the European Goldfinch mentioned in seed preference studies?
Answer
Seed derived from thistle plants
The absolute favorite food source for the European Goldfinch is specifically identified as the seed originating from thistle plants. This preference is extremely strong and dictates much about the bird's physical structure and typical feeding behavior. While they consume other seeds, the dependency on thistle seeds forms the cornerstone of their natural diet. This specialization is evident in their beak mechanics, which are perfectly suited for accessing these particular seeds from complex seed heads, setting the baseline for their expertise as seed specialists.
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