thistlefinchEtymologyFrom thistle + finch. Cognate with Dutch distelvink and German Distelfink; compare also the derivation of Latin carduelis. Goldfinch favor thistle seeds for food, and use thistle down as nest material.thistlefinch means synonym of European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 100 out of 100.nounSynonym of European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)