Rural Perspectives: The American goldfinch can be found in winter at area bird feeders

Area residents can see goldfinches at bird feeders or
in the summer fields. They can be around almost all
winter if the temperature stays above zero.
Photo credit Diane Constable

by Diane Constable

You are most likely to see the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) at bird feeders that offer sunflower seeds or nyjer thistle seeds, or in the summer fields feeding on thistle, milkweed and grass seeds.

In winter, this finch is more of an olive color. It is sometimes called a wild canary because in spring the males molt into a brilliant yellow, while the females are a bit duller yellow.

Goldfinches build their nests in mid to late summer, when the thistles and milkweed bloom. They use the down from these plants to line the 2.5-inch-wide nest, which is placed very high up in a shrub or tree. Spiderweb and caterpillar silk are used to secure the nest to the twigs.

Up to 10 pale, blue-white eggs are laid and hatch in about 14 days. The chicks fledge after about 17 days, but still depend on the adults to feed them for another three weeks. They will live up to 6 years.

Goldfinches are very acrobatic. They fly like they are on a roller coaster—in a wavy, up-and-down flight pattern. When they feed, they hang on to the side of the plant (or feeder), the top, or even upside down in order to reach the food.

Our goldfinches are around practically all winter, only leaving if the temperature falls below zero. Their winter feathers grow in thicker than the summer feathers, which insulates them from the cold. They also sometimes burrow into a snowbank to keep warm.

Fun Fact: The goldfinch weaves its nest so tightly it can hold water.

Diane Gray Constable