September Bird of the Month: American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch
Size: 4.5 - 5"
Range: Winters in much of the United States
Nest: Open nest on an upright fork of branch
Eggs per clutch:  4 to 5
Food: Seeds

Description

The American Goldfinch is smaller than a sparrow. The breeding male is known for its bright yellow color. The male also has a black forehead, white bottom and black wings with white edges. The female and male in the winter are duller than the breeding male.

Listen to a recording of an American Goldfinch: American Goldfinch call

Feeding

Seeds are the main diet of the American Goldfinch. These birds are attracted to thistle and hulled sunflower seeds and can be spotted at the feeders year round. During fall and winter, American Goldfinches will feed in flocks.

Habitat

Goldfinches are believed to be year round residents of most of North America. Seasonal movement of flocks, from ten to several hundred goldfinches, occur in the spring and fall.   American Goldfinches can be found living in areas with weedy grasslands or thickets with nearby trees.

Nesting

During the winter, American Goldfinches have only two calls. When spring arrives new songs can be heard. These new songs are signs of courtship taking place. Once summer arrives, finches begin to feed in small groups.

American Goldfinches mate late in summer, near the time of nest building. The female goldfinch collects materials for the nest and constructs it herself. Once the nest is complete the pair will leave the area for a couple of days. The pair will return to the nest anywhere between a few days to a few weeks later, so that the female can start laying the eggs.

Eggs are laid, one per day, until the clutch is complete. Usually five eggs are in a clutch. Incubations starts after the laying of the second or third egg. Incubation of the eggs is done only by the female and lasts approximately 11 to 15 days. The female will spend 95% of her time on the nest. During this time, the male will make regular visits to the nest to feed the female.

The nestlings are quiet in the nest for the first week after hatching. They are also silent when the parents arrive with food. They become more active the second week and call out when the parents arrive. When the young birds leave the  nest, they are still fed by the male. The fledglings have a call that helps the male locate them for feeding. When the birds become independent, they no longer give this call.