Name: Goldfinch
Description: Goldfinches are among the last of the spring migrants to arrive in the north in late May and early June, returning to their previous nesting grounds. In the fall, flocks of Goldfinches can be seen feeding in weedy grain fields, moving south and showing a preference for thistle patches. The American Goldfinch breeds across North America from central Canada to northern Nevada, Oklahoma and central Georgia. It winters in the southern United States and Mexico.
Other Names: American Goldfinch, Wild Canary, Thistle-Bird
Color: The warm days of summer bring the sudden return of color to the Goldfinch. Many males are spotted and patched for a few days before turning yellow. Males have bright lemon-yellow breeding plumage, black wings, white sidebars and a black cap. In late summer, the male loses his brilliant plumage and, until early the following April, closely resembles his drab mate. Although females become somewhat brighter in the warm-weather months, they are usually plain with brownish-olive upper parts, dark wings and pale yellow under parts. Females also lack the black head cap.
Sound: The Goldfinch's flight is notably undulating and often, if not usually, accompanied by a vocal “per-chick-o-ree,” repeated at every dip as it swings over the countryside. The male's song is a sweet, spirited melody.
Preferred Environment: Goldfinches breed in weedy fields, roadsides, orchards and gardens. Several pairs will nest within a small area without much argument about territorial rights, enjoying friendly companionship on the feeding grounds and singing with great ecstasy from the same trees.
Nesting Habits: Goldfinches build their nests in a horizontal fork, located away from tree trunks. Nests are neatly and compactly built of grasses, fibers and down—built so tight they will hold water. If the nest is built in a shade tree, overhead leaves provide protection from the rain, however, in more unsheltered nests, the young may sometimes drown.
Food Preference: Goldfinches prefer niger (thistle), sunflower, safflower and nuts.
