American Goldfinches in field
The American Goldfinch is our only bright yellow bird with black wings and a black cap.
Female and immature birds lack the black cap and are a duller olive colour. In winter the males resemble the females.
The American Goldfinch is common in weedy fields and roadsides where it feeds in flocks on dandelion and thistle seeds.
It calls “potato chip” during its distinctive roller-coaster flight. Click here to hear a sound sample.
Unlike most birds, the American Goldfinch waits until midsummer to nest. The female collects filaments and fibers from thistle flowers, catkins, caterpillar cocoons and dead trees and grasses. The nest is usually located in the forks of trees or shrubs, varying from 4 to 20 feet high.
The female lays between 4 to 6 bluish eggs, usually one a day. Incubation, which starts after the laying of the second egg, lasts for 12 to 14 days. The male feeds the female during the incubation period. The nestling phase ranges from 11 to 15 days. During the fledgling phase, which may last up to a month, the male is primarily responsible for feeding the young. American Goldfinches may have two broods.
American Goldfinch are present across Canada and through most of the United States. In fall, flocks of goldfinches may be observed moving southward, but goldfinches are generally considered to be year-round residents. The Christmas Bird Count indicates an increase in the numbers of overwintering goldfinches, which could be attributed to an increase in bird feeders.
You can attract the American goldfinch to your feeder in winter by filling it with niger (thistle) seeds and/or sunflower seeds. But remember, the American Goldfinch in winter does not resemble the bright yellow bird that we see in summer.
Click here to see a video of American Goldfinches at a feeder.
