FINCHforum

My dad has a gold finch, and it sings a lot. Often whenever it sees me, it starts wagging its tail at me, and chirping. I was wondering what that tail wagging means? It's a rather long sword of sweeping wag, it sort of dips down, and it moves its butt along with it. And this wag is usually accompanied by a couple chirps that sound a bit like a wolf whistle but in a minor key.
What's that mean? Thanks

I guess nobody here has an answer to this, and neither have I... Sorry!

But I'd say if he chirps at you he's happy to see you?

When my cock goldfinch is in breeding condition he will swing his tail from side to side as he does his little display, singing at the same time. The bird is usually in an upright position though.

With him just giving a couple of whistles and the fact that he seems to do it when you approach makes me think it might be a warning display.
What type of cage does he have? goldfinches are naturally very flighty and dont like being in a position where they cant get away if they need to.

Hi Leila
I know exactly what you are describing about the tail swaying and a good question as I would like to know as well why.My hen goldfinch does this when I walk up to her cage change her feed and as soon as I walk away guaranty she would do like a meow and a quick one two tail wag for me as if in gratitude.I think their gesture might mean ok keep your distance, this is my domain and I,m happy you came and left.

I have a male zebra that bows to his female, sings and wags his tail very quickly, with this pair it is a mating dance. I am not familiar with the goldfinch.