by Jordyn Pimental
The American goldfinch, with its vibrant, unmistakable color, is a frequent sight at neighborhood bird feeders and a common resident in the forested areas surrounding our campus. This striking bird is a true gem of local wildlife, and very prominent according to Merlin Bird ID, a top bird-scouting app created by Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology. Read on to learn more about the American goldfinch.
The Basics
Relatively small members of the finch family, that famous bright yellow hue they are known for is seen only on males of the species. The females have brown bodies with black striped wings and a muted yellow head. I’ve noticed that they prefer clearings in forested areas, you’re likely to find them in dense, overgrown fields or of course in a backyard.
Breeding and Feeding
According to Merlin, the female goldfinches build their nests typically in a shrub during the middle of the warmer months. After nesting, she will then lay two to seven eggs in the late summer into the early fall. Merlin also shares that as for their behavior, they are quite playful compared to some other birds. They are lively and acrobatic creatures, known for their boundless energy and cheerful songs, especially in the springtime.
Fun Facts
The American goldfinch is the state bird of three different states, according to Lyric Wild Bird Food, New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington. They are also plant-based birds, eating almost entirely seeds and no insects. Due to being such avid seed eaters, they are generally pretty easy birds to attract to a feeder, to get one to yours it is recommended to put out sunflower seeds and nyjer.
Most sources have indicated that goldfinch populations are steady with a slight decline.
It is always important to incorporate environmentally conscious actions into your daily life and make sustainable choices that help protect wildlife as a whole.
