European Goldfinch
Recordings 
Scientific Name 
Carduelis carduelis
Arabic Name 
الحسون الذهبي
Kuwaiti name 
حسون
Family 
Length 
13.0 cm
Least Concern
Similar species 

Information

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Although one of Eurasia’s most widespread finches further north, this species reaches Kuwait irregularly and in very small numbers.
Where in Kuwait 
It has been recorded at Al Abraq and Tuhla in SAANR.
In the world 
It has an extremely large range and a population that is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats. In Europe, trends since 1980 have been stable. The species is divided into two major groups, each comprising several races. The two groups intergrade at their boundary, so the caniceps group is not recognised as a distinct species despite its readily distinguishable plumage. The Carduelis carduelis carduelis group (western) and the Carduelis carduelis caniceps group (eastern).
Local threats 
Habitat loss and degradation, trapping for illegal bird trade.