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Wild Bird Feeders,
Bird Houses,
Bird Baths and more
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Goldfinch
Description: The American Goldfinch is the state bird of Washington. Goldfinches are among the last of the spring migrants to arrive in the north in late spring, returning to their previous years nesting grounds. Southern US populations of American Goldfinch are resident while northern populations migrate.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 male Goldfinch in its breeding plumage is bright yellow with a black forehead, wings, and tail, one white wing-bar on each wing and white on his tail. The male is drab brown with hints of yellow and white wing-bars outside the breeding season closely resembling his drab mate. Females lack the black head cap and become somewhat brighter in the warm-weather months, they are usually plain with brownish-olive upper parts, dark wings and pale yellow under parts.
Sound: The Goldfinch's flight is notably undulating and often 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: The American Goldfinch can generally be found in brushy habitats at the edges of fields and rivers, especially when thistle is present. Goldfinches are not territorial and often several pairs will nest within a very small area. They actually seem to enjoy the companionship in the feeding grounds and singing in the same trees.
Nesting Habits: Goldfinches are late breeders compared to other songbirds. Their breeding seems timed to coincide with the top seasons for thistle seed. build their nests in an upright fork of a shrub or tree but located away from tree trunks. Nests are neatly and compactly built of grasses, plant fibers spider webs and thistle down—built tight enough to 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: In nature, small seeds, especially thistleseed, make up most of the American Goldfinch's diet. They also eat some insects, especially aphids. At the feeder, the Goldfinches prefer niger (thistle), sunflower, safflower and nuts.
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How to Attract Goldfinches
The Goldfinch comes readily to feeders. It also breeds in close association with people.
Finches prefer a wall or post mounted house, 5' to 15' off the ground. It should have a 1.5" diameter entrance hole and a predator guard should be added. A perch is not necessary. Create nesting for finches and swallows in your yard with a finch house.
Goldfinches will readily come to feeders where thistle seeds are offered. About any feeding stations that attract finches will most likely attract Goldfinches. Keep the feeders well-stocked with sunflower, safflower, apple slices, suet, millet, peanuts and other fruit. It is wise to use squirrel proof feeders . Follow these feeding options and you should soon have these brilliant birds darting across your back yard in no time.
Suggested Goldfinch Feeders |
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