The female goldfinch collects materials for the nest and constructs it herself. Once the nest is complete the pair will leave the area for a couple of days. The pair will return to the nest anywhere between a few days to a few weeks later, so that the female can start laying the eggs. Eggs are laid, one per day, until the clutch is complete. Usually five eggs are in a clutch.
Incubations starts after the laying of the second or third egg.
Incubation of the eggs is done only by the female and lasts approximately 11 to 15 days. During this time, the male will make regular visits to the nest to feed the female. The nestlings are quiet in the nest for the first week after hatching. They are also silent when the parents arrive with food. They become more active the second week and call out when the parents arrive.