cardueline

Cardueline is a subfamily of passerine birds within the finch family Fringillidae. This group includes many familiar birds commonly known as goldfinches, siskins, and crossbills. They are characterized by their seed-eating habits, often possessing stout, conical bills adapted for extracting seeds from cones, fruits, and other plant matter. Their plumage can vary widely, from the bright yellow and black of the American Goldfinch to the more subdued browns and grays of some siskin species.

The distribution of carduelines is widespread, with species found across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and even urban areas, depending on the specific species. Their diets are primarily composed of seeds, but they may also supplement their intake with insects, especially during the breeding season to provide protein for their young.

Reproduction typically involves the construction of cup-shaped nests, often in trees or shrubs. Females usually lay a clutch of several eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Both parents also participate in feeding the nestlings. Many cardueline species are migratory, moving to warmer climates during the winter months, while others are resident or irruptive, their movements dependent on food availability. The subfamily Carduelinae is a diverse and ecologically significant group of finches.