The standard for Carduelis carduelis balcanica is the result of discussions with numerous ornithologists, breeders and bird-show judges, and is based primarily on the original scientific description of the subspecies. This standard arose from the need to establish a uniform basis for breeding C. c. balcanica, prompted by the large number and diversity of ‘small’ goldfinches exhibited at the international OrniSinj show. Motivated by the desire to preserve the biological diversity of our region, we hope that this standard will provide a sound foundation for future selective breeding.

In size, Carduelis c. balcanica corresponds to the nominate subspecies Carduelis carduelis carduelis (L.). Its principal distinction from the nominate subspecies is the duller, greyer coloration of all the ‘brown’ parts of the body. The brown back lacks the reddish tone characteristic of the nominate form and is instead slightly olive-grey. On the underside, Carduelis c. balcanica differs in having larger breast patches, more extensive coloration of the flanks and a more pronounced collar around the throat. Here too, the brown is not reddish-cinnamon as in Carduelis c. carduelis, but much darker and greyer, except for the collar below the neck, which is similarly pale and reddish-brown to that of the nominate form. Furthermore, balcanica is characterized by clean white areas: distinctly pure white in males and somewhat less clean, slightly greyish-white in females.

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