Nesting of the European goldfinch Carduelis carduelis major in Irkutsk

The European (black-headed) goldfinch Carduelis carduelis has expanded its range from the Yenisey River area eastward to forest-steppe parts in the west and south of Irkutsk Oblast in 1950s as a wintering bird, and in 1970s its breeding was confirmed here. Recently, it is being a common breeder in the same areas including Irkutsk, using and even preferring agricultural, ruderal, and urban landscapes actively. Several broods with fledglings were seen in the central part of Irkutsk in July and August, and several pairs and singing males were observed here in late winter, spring, and summer 2010-2013. Winter records in the downtown are more frequent in the last years than in 1990s – 2000s when the birds were seen usually at peripherals of the town.