Overview

The American goldfinch is one of the last birds to nest each year, timing its breeding season to the peak of thistle and sunflower seed production in late summer. Breeding males glow lemon-yellow with a black cap and wings; in winter they molt into a quieter olive-brown.

Goldfinches have a bouncy, roller-coaster flight and a sweet wheezing song. They cling to seed heads — especially thistles and coneflowers — and visit nyjer feeders in steady, chattering flocks.

Habitat

Weedy meadows, roadside verges, suburban gardens, and open woodland edges hold goldfinches across the northern and central US. They favour areas rich in composite flowers and weedy grasses that produce small oily seeds.

Countries found

American Goldfinch in United States

Interesting facts

01
Goldfinches nest late in summer when thistle seeds are abundant.
02
They are strict vegetarians — one of the few finches that feeds its chicks entirely on seeds.
03
Their flight call sounds like po-ta-to-chip as they bounce across fields.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

American goldfinches are Least Concern with stable populations. Backyard feeders and weedy garden patches provide excellent habitat in suburban areas.