European Goldfinch

[Jim]

I was sooooo surprised to see a much more colourful  European Goldfinch at my feeder in mid-town Toronto today along with a group of seasonally drap looking regular Goldfinches. Would this be an escapee from captivity...or someting I should be excited about?  Experts please advise.

[Tony Lang]

I have seen this species for sale in Toronto pet stores for several years now, so there is a high probability it's an escapee.

[JTF]

Yes, escapee for sure.

[Jim]

Thanks experts. Only a little disappointed to learn that the Euro Goldfinch is likely an escapee...it's still coming daily and still adding new colour to my feeders.