The American Goldfinch

Lori our resident bird maven will soon be joining the Blogging team to post some fun facts about birds. In an email she focused on the American Goldfinch.

"It's back to being Gold in South Central Pennsylvania! The American Goldfinch male, sports vibrant yellow feathers, the female is only slightly yellow in summer.  Both are grayish/greenish brown in the winter, which is why most people think they leave the area. Most people think the American Goldfinch migrates because they don't see them during the winter. This is simply not true! They are here all year round. In the winter the male American Goldfinch changes color to a look similar to the female. Most people don't realize they are here and don't put out bird food for them. Well, American Goldenfinches need to eat too!.

Description: The males have black wings and tails with a black cap and brilliant yellow feathers in summer. The female and male are yellow-green in winter. Their nests are made of small stems and grass, cup-shaped, and are found in forks of trees. They nest in late July. They flock together throughout Southern Canada and across the United States. The American Goldfinch is found in fields, at roadsides, and in open fields. Their favorite foods are Nyjer and sunflower.

Feeder Tips: Dispense Finch Mix through a Nyjer tube feeder. The seed openings are small and prevent seed from spilling. The tiny holes and short perches make these tubes exclusive to finches. Hang a Lyric Finch Feeder from a tree branch. Even on windy days, finches will delightfully feed on a swaying feeder. Pole mounted tubes, window tubes and selective tubes are all available and will work in many settings.

Tell us if you've seen the bird; send us an email or add a comment to this post.

Want to hear what American Gold Finch sounds like?  Go to www.lyricbirdfood.com

[picture via Cornel Lab]