American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is one of the most abundant and easily recognizable of our backyard bird species. Often referred to as a ‘Wild Canary’ these birds actually belong to the finch family and are stand approximately 5.5 inches high and can be up to 9 inches in length (from beak to tail). Goldfinches get their name from the beautiful bright gold plumage the male wears during the breeding season. Their bright colors make them easily recognizable in the spring and summer months. These birds are native to North America and are year around residents here in Ohio. This is a little known fact to some bird watchers due to the transformation that the Goldfinch makes from summer to fall. Shedding the bright golden feathers, the goldfinch’s camouflage themselves with a drab olive for the fall and winter. A sure signs that spring is coming is the shedding of this drab olive colored plumage for an alarming show of bright gold. Keep an eye out of these signs are happening right now! The female’s plumage will lighten slightly but stay mostly camouflaged through all seasons. Other key identification points to look for are the black and white wing bars on the lower portion of the wings and a notched tail. Males of the species have a black cap. They are very social birds and are often seen in groups. Goldfinches can be found in weedy fields and floodplains, where plants such as thistles and asters are common. They’re also found in cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards. The American Goldfinch is a frequent visitor to backyard birdfeeders.

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The American Goldfinch is usually a late nester, and begins its nesting in July. During this time of year the various types of thistle plants are producing a down that is used by the goldfinch to line their small cup like nests. Later nesting dates gives these birds abundant food sources for feeding their young due to the number of plants producing seeds at this time. The female goldfinch builds the nest and lays approximately 5-7 eggs which are pale, bluish white with faint brown spots.

The American Goldfinch is one of the strictest vegetarians of the bird world; only eating seeds. Natural food sources for the American Goldfinch include seeds from composite plants (in the family Asteraceae: sunflowers, thistle, asters, etc.), grasses, and trees such as alder, birch, western red cedar, and elm. The favorite food for these birds at the backyard feeder is nyjer (thistle) and sunflower seeds.

Backyard bird habitats paired with feeders are an easy way to attract these birds into your yard. Planting plants around your home that are irresistible to the American Goldfinch is a great way to supplement their feeder diet. Some of the best perennial plants for attracting these birds are Echinacea, Goldenrod, Asters, and Coreopsis. Sunflowers and Zinnias are great annual plant selections for these birds. All of these perennials are available at Boyert’s in our Perennial Plant Area!

Selecting feeders for the American Goldfinch can be a daunting task due to wide variety of feeding habits that the birds have. Goldfinches are one of the few birds that can feed upside down, and selecting a feeder that caters to this unique characteristic of the finch is a great way to start. Many different sizes of upside down feeders are available and will most certainly draw large numbers of birds. Choosing a feeder that has yellow on it will also help to target the Goldfinch. Although these birds will be drawn to almost any type of seed you have out, try to provide them with a nyjer (thistle) seed food, or a finch seed mix. Along with traditional finch feeders the nyjer (thistle) seed Sock is another fun easy way to attract these birds. These netted bags or “Socks” can be purchased pre-filled, or empty. The NEW birding area at Boyert’s has many selections for attracting and feeding these colorful backyard companions.

*The Boyert’s feeding station has already seen Goldfinches half way into their bright spring plumage! Warmer weather is around the bend! Cedar Waxwings and Baltimore orioles were spotted perched in the Gingko tree above our feeding station and both were singing joyful songs of spring. Migratory water birds are making a comeback this week. Early morning Robins and mourning doves were very loud this week, even with the colder weather. Help us track the arrival of Spring! Stop in the store and report your bird sightings and any other signs of Spring. We will be keeping a running tally of bird sightings on our “Bird of the Week” bulletin board.