American Goldfinch

Identification and Pictures

(Carduelis tristis)

The American Goldfinch is a small finch about 5 inches. It's thick conical bill is good for eating seeds. In summer the male is bright yellow, with black wings, tail and forehead patch. The female is a duller olive-yellow with black wings.

In the winter they both look more like the female but a little duller. Its flight is undulating, often with a chirp with each dip.

Song of American Goldfinch

In spring and summer during nesting males can be heard giving their high pitched canary-like song.  Their song is a series of random sounds, clear and light like per-chek-oree.   Some say it sounds like pot-tato-chip.  As they fly each did in their undulating flight is punctuated by tee-dee-de-dee.

photo Karney, Lee US Wildlife

American Goldfinch song Click for Sound

American Goldfinch Habitat

Their natural habitat is woodland edges, thickets and weedy patches. They can be seen in open woods, on lawns and on roadsides. They forage in large flocks. It is fun to watch flocks fly with their roller coaster manner.  They range from South Canada though the U.S. to North Mexico

Breeding and Nesting

Breeding season begins in April or may in the southwest to mid June in the east. Goldfinches like to breed in areas with openings among trees and shrubs.

The female usually builds the nest in high weeds, or in a tree or shrub. Often near water. The nest is firm and compact made of strips of bark, catkins, plant down, cotton and wood. Lined with plant down. The female will incubate 4 to 6 eggs. The eggs are smooth and pale blue or greenish-blue, slightly glossy. Young birds are tended by both parents, and will leave the nest 10 to 17 days.

Feeders and Food

Feeders with thistle and other seeds will attract them.  Make sure you also provide water.

For more on food and feeding click here.
For more on feeders click here.
To learn about other favorite birds click here.