American Goldfinch: Field Guide, Pictures, Habitat & Info

Last Updated on Mar 12 2024

American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) are active and acrobatic members of the finch family that often fly in a bouncy and wavy pattern. Occasionally, the American goldfinch is referred to as the “Wild Canary” due to its unmistakable yellow plumage. Finding one of these beautiful birds in your backyard isn’t difficult, as they often call in flight to draw attention to themselves. Keep reading to learn more about this favorite species among birdwatchers so you can attract this sunny fellow to your backyard.

Quick Facts About the American Goldfinch

General Description

The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is characterized by a conical bill, flashy white wing bars, and a pointed, notched tail. By far, their most identifiable characteristic is their bright yellow plumage, which is highlighted by a deep black forehead and wings. The breeding males are extremely bright in color when compared to the females, which are pale brown with tinges of light yellow or olive on the face.

Range, Habitat, Behavior, Diet, & Nesting

Range

American goldfinches are common throughout most of North America. Breeding birds spend much of their time in the continent’s northern reaches while nonbreeding birds tend to stay in southern areas. They can virtually be found anywhere in open country where thistle and other seeded plants are abundant.

Habitat

American goldfinches are most commonly found in weed-dense fields and floodplains, although they are also found along roadsides, open woods, orchards, streamsides, backyards, and suburban areas of North America. In the wintertime, American goldfinches are often found in open fields and around backyard feeders. These colorful birds are relatively widespread, and you can look for them where plants such as thistles and asters are common.

Behavior

American goldfinches fly in a bouncy, undulating pattern with alternating phases of flapping and gliding. They often make a characteristic “po-ta-to-chip” call during flight, which can easily draw your attention to them. These small songbirds are highly acrobatic and can often be found hanging or precariously balancing on top of flowers, seedheads, and grasses. Oftentimes, American goldfinches will forage in flocks; however, they forage alone during the breeding season.

Diet

American goldfinches generally forage in flocks outside of the breeding season. Usually, they gather food in weeds, shrubs, and trees, where they are found dangling from branches to reach certain seeds. The American goldfinch diet is primarily made up of seeds, weeds, and grasses. The young seeds of daisies, elms, birches, and alders are preferred, although buds, bark, and maple sap are common treats as well. Young nestlings are fed regurgitated seed material, and insects are very rarely consumed as a summertime supplement. American goldfinches acquire their signature yellow plumage through their diet, which is full of carotenoid pigments.

Nesting

After the American goldfinch chooses its mate, the pair moves around together, looking for a suitable nesting site. The female usually builds the nest in tall shrubs suspended by several branches and shaded by leaves. The female weaves the nest by building a foundation of spider silk, on top of which she aligns rootlets and plant fibers into a cup-like shape. The nest is then lined with plant-down to make a soft and fluffy bed for the eggs. Interestingly, the nest is woven tight enough to hold water and is generally 3 inches in diameter and 2 to 4.5 inches high.

After the nest is built, the female will lay a clutch of two to seven pale blue eggs with faint brown spotting. She then incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days, during which the male forages for food and feeds her. After the eggs hatch, both parents feed the nestlings, with the male assuming most of the responsibility as the young get older. After 11-17 days, the young leave the nest, and the pair may raise another brood.

How to Find the American Goldfinch: Birdwatching Tips

What to Listen For

Before taking flight, American goldfinches sing a distinctive four-syllable call that sounds like “po-ta-to-chip.” During courtship, males will often make a “tee-yee” call when landing near a female. Otherwise, they sing a long and variable song filled with twitters and warbles in seemingly random order. However, these songs are not actually random and are learned patterns that are acquired through the bird’s lifetime. Interestingly, American goldfinches make identical calls to their mates when in their breeding pairs. This is thought to help other flock members distinguish between pairs of goldfinches.

What to Look For

American goldfinches prefer backyards with open, grassy fields full of plants and weeds. Since the birds eat a diet almost exclusively of seeds, look for collections of plants and flowers with many seeds, such as thistles, cattails, cottonwood fluff, daisies, and milkweed. If running water is nearby, you have a high chance of spotting one of the bright birds.

When to Look

American goldfinches frequent bird feeders all year long. However, they are most commonly seen in the winter when plant matter is scarce. Unlike most North American birds, American goldfinches breed much later, often nesting in June or July when seedy plants are abundant. During this time, look for them gathering fibrous seeds and plant matter to build their nests.

Attracting American Goldfinches to Your Backyard: Tips & Tricks

American Goldfinch Conservation: Is This Bird Threatened?

American goldfinches are common birds in North America’s backyards and are a species of low conservation concern. A global breeding population of approximately 44 million birds is estimated by the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, with a total population decline of roughly 27% since 1966. American goldfinches score a 6 out of 20 for continental concern by SONAB’s (State of North American Birds) report, which is based on data such as population size, vulnerability, threats, and population distribution.

Conclusion

The American goldfinch is a fascinating sight and a welcome visitor at backyard feeders all across North America. With their unique and unmistakable flight call and sunny plumage, it is easy to see why the American goldfinch is a favorite amongst birdwatchers. We hope that you’ve learned some new things about goldfinches by reading this article. Next time you’re observing the birds in your neighborhood, try listening for the American goldfinch’s “po-ta-to-chip” call and see if you can spot one!

Featured Image Credit: Natalia Kuzmina, Shutterstock