thistlefinch

English

Etymology

From thistle +‎ finch. Cognate with Dutch distelvink and German Distelfink; compare also the derivation of Latin carduelis. Goldfinch favor thistle seeds for food, and use thistle down as nest material.

Noun

thistlefinch (plural thistlefinches)

1. Synonym of European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)