American Goldfinch

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Description:

• Size: 4 to 5 inches (11 - 13 cm)
• Wingspan: 7 to 9 inches (19 - 22 cm)
• Weight: .39 to .71 ounces (11 - 20 g)

Diet:

Sex Differences:

During the fall and winter: the male has a yellowish-brown body and black cap, tail and wings (with white wingbars). The female is grayish-brown with dark brown tail and wings (with white wingbars).

Nesting:

Range:

A Few Things You Probably Didn't Know:

• Most finches molt once per year in the fall. The American Goldfinch molts a second time, in the springtime. The second molting brings out their beautiful yellow breeding color, supporting their nickname "wild canary".
• The female will often leave the male, with babies still in the nest, to find another mate.
• In the winter, these birds can be found in large flocks. During the breeding season, they will feed in much smaller groups.

Please tell us about the Goldfinches visiting your feeders.

Goldfinches are one of the most beautiful birds to visit our backyard feeders. Unfortunately not everyone gets to see them. If you are fortunate enough to see them in your yard please tell us about them.

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