The moult of the European Goldfinch near Melbourne, Victoria

Abstract

As part of a study of the European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis near Melbourne, Victoria, the annual moult was observed in 512 birds between January 1963 and February 1965. The moult period occurred between December and May with the peak of activity in February and March. The moult sequence is discussed and is essentially similar to the normal passerine pattern with the exception of the tail moult. A distinct overlap between the breeding season and the moult period was observed. The significance of this is discussed in the light of recent metabolic studies and studies of moult.