American Goldfinch

 The American goldfinch, scientific name Spinus tristis, is a small songbird native to North America. It is known for its bright yellow plumage, which is most vibrant in males during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding season, both males and females have a more muted, olive-brown coloration.

Here are some key features and facts about the American goldfinch:

Appearance: Adult male American goldfinches have bright yellow feathers with a black forehead and black wings marked by white bars. They have a small black cap on their heads. Females and non-breeding males have a more olive-brown coloration with less distinct markings. Both sexes have a white rump and black tail.

Goldfinch Male

Size: American goldfinches are relatively small birds, measuring about 4.3 to 5 inches (11 to 13 cm) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 7.5 to 8.7 inches (19 to 22 cm). They weigh around 0.4 to 0.7 ounces (12 to 20 grams).

Habitat: These finches are found throughout North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. They inhabit a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, grasslands, and gardens. They are particularly attracted to areas with thistle plants, as their diet mainly consists of seeds.

Goldfinch

Diet: American goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters. They have a specialized bill that allows them to extract seeds from the heads of various plants, including thistles, sunflowers, and dandelions. They also eat tree buds and occasionally consume small insects during the breeding season to provide additional protein to their nestlings.

Goldfinch

Breeding: Breeding season for American goldfinches usually occurs from June to August. Males display elaborate flight patterns and sing melodic songs to attract females. They build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, often using materials such as plant fibers, moss, and spider silk. Females lay a clutch of 3 to 7 bluish-white eggs, which hatch after about 12 to 14 days of incubation. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings.

Seasonal plumage change: Unlike many other bird species, American goldfinches undergo a unique molt in late summer. They shed their bright yellow breeding plumage and molt into a duller olive-brown plumage. This molt allows them to blend in better with their surroundings during the fall and winter months.

Vocalizations: American goldfinches are known for their distinctive and pleasant song, which is described as a series of sweet, high-pitched, warbling notes. Their calls include a variety of "per-chick-o-ree" or "po-ta-to-chip" sounds.

American goldfinches are popular among birdwatchers and backyard bird enthusiasts due to their vibrant colors, pleasant songs, and acrobatic flight. They are also the state bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington.