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American GoldfinchCarduelis
tristis
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)
This is a small bird. The body is bright yellow to dull brown. The
wings are black with white wingbars. The small, pink bill is pointed
and conical shaped. The tail is short and notched.
Diet:
The American Goldfinch eats seeds, insects and berries. Has a
preference for thistle seeds. Can be attracted to feeders using nyjer seed
(thistle seed).
Sex Differences:
During the spring and summer: the male has a bright yellow
body and black cap, tail and wings (with white wingbars). The female is
yellowish-green with black tail and wings (with white wingbars).
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:
These finches build their nests in trees or shrubs 4 to 20 feet above
the ground. The nest will be constructed from weeds, vines and downy
filaments from wind-dispersed seeds. It will use caterpillar
webbing to hold everything together.
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.
What type of feeders do you use? What type of food did they eat? My readers would love to hear your story. It is easy to do just fill in the areas below and you can even add pictures. One you're finished you will have your very own page published with your name in the title!
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