Whilst many small countryside birds are in decline, here is one, which is becoming commoner every year. Key to this success?  Undoubtedly, the use of Niger seed feeders in gardens.

Its main diet is thistle seeds, teasel seeds, and similar wildflower seeds that are tiny and oily. Previously this bird walked a tightrope of feast or famine. Feast in late summer and autumn, when there is an abundance of seed available, famine in winter and early spring, when very little seed is available.

Sociable birds, preferring to feed together in flocks of up to a few dozen birds, even breeding close together. If your Niger seed feeders are close to coniferous forest, the colourful goldfinch will be joined on the feeders by the pretty little yellow siskin.