Species Specifics: American Goldfinch

You know that spring is right around the corner when, in late February, the male goldfinch starts molting into his bright, canary yellow feathers with black cap, wings and tail.

During the winter months both the male and female American goldfinch are drab yellowish green or brown overall with dark wings and tail. In the winter these 4¼-5" birds wander around in small flocks calling the “perchicoree” looping flight call or the “sweeyeet” call while on or near the feeders.

In the spring, when both males and females acquire their brighter colors, their behavior changes. Even though they do not start nesting until late summer, the males start chasing one another and they start singing their long, warbling song from high perches.

In July, much later than most backyard birds, goldfinches begin their first nesting. This late start coincides with the ripening of flower and weed seeds which goldfinches feed their young. The female builds her nest 4-20' above ground in a tree or shrub. It is made of strands from weeds and vines and the downy part of wind blown seeds like thistle and is bound with caterpillar webbing.

Unlike most birds, the female spends 95% of her time incubating 3-7 light blue eggs. While on the nest for 12-14 days she is fed regurgitated seeds by the male. After hatching, the nestlings are fed by both parents for 11-15 days. Once they’ve fledged, the male takes care of feeding the young goldfinches while the female starts another brood.

Goldfinches inhabit open areas with shrubs and trees. You’ll find them around farms and in suburban yards and gardens. They prefer nyjer (thistle) seed and crushed, hulled sunflower seeds in feeders. Like all finches, they use their conical shaped beaks to break open seeds which, in addition to insects and berries, they feed on from the ground or off weed stalks and foliage.

You’ll know summer is winding down and autumn is near when the goldfinches start their second and only complete molt of the year. Their bight yellow color fades away and you can no longer distinguish the male goldfinch from the female.