Goldfinch Is an ambiguous vernacular name in French, which can refer to several different species of birds. This vernacular name is also the basis of several standardized names or vulgar names created for the scientific nomenclature in French. It is thus the standardized name of 16 species of passerines of the genus Carduelis which also includes linolets, tarins, sanderins and verdiers. It is also one of the vernacular names of the elegant Goldfinch.
They are famous for their plumage or the beauty of their songs.
The name of goldfinch derives from "thistle", this small plant bristling with spines that grows along the paths. According to some authors, this name was given to these birds because they feed on the thistle seeds1. However, the explanation of the birds' use of thistles could have a different origin. In their movements, the sheep rub against the thistles and hang some woolen flakes. Then, the goldfinch comes to take the flake, the triloche to untangle it and padded the nest of its young, sometimes called grisets.
There are many local forms of this term for example chardonnerel or chardonnail, in Provence there exists for example cardalino. One finds more easily the proximity with the Latin imperial carduelis derived from carduus, the thistle