American Goldfinch

Scientific Name: Spinus tristis

Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Fringillidae

A small, brightly colored finch known for its acrobatic feeding on seed heads and its bouncy, undulating flight pattern.

Region of Origin: North America (found from southern Canada to the southern United States and Mexico)
Typical Sighting Period: Year-round throughout much of the U.S.; specifically vibrant in summer during breeding season.
Plumage Details: Adult males in summer are bright yellow with a black forehead and black wings with white bars. Females are duller brownish-yellow. In winter, both sexes are drab unstreaked brown/olive with blackish wings.
Ecological Significance: Significant seed dispersers; they are among the strictest vegetarians in the bird world, rarely eating insects.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN); population remains stable and widespread.
Observation Tips: Easily attracted to backyards with thistle (nyjer) or sunflower seeds; look for them in open fields with thistles and asters.

Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm); Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm); Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)

Almost exclusively granivorous (seed-eaters); prefers seeds of thistles, sunflowers, and elms.

Open woodlands, fields, weedy floodplains, orchards, and suburban gardens.

Short-distance migrant or resident; northern populations move south within North America during winter.

A bright, musical song composed of trills and twitters; distinctive 'per-chic-o-ree' or 'potato-chip' call given in flight.

Late breeders (July-September); nests are open cups made of plant fibers, often so tightly woven they can hold water.

Small conical bill, notched tail, white wing bars, and bright yellow body with black cap in summer males.

Lesser Goldfinch (smaller, darker back) and Evening Grosbeak (much larger with thicker bill).

The American Goldfinch is the state bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington. It is the only finch that molts its body feathers twice a year.