SPRING: Arrival of the Goldfinch.

One of the first signs that Spring is on its way is the spotting of the Goldfinch (American Goldfinch), Spinus tristis. (I have also seen this scientific name assigned to the American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis.) You can't miss it. A quick flight into the feeding station; a flash of oncoming gold; the distinctive black and white wing bars, and the unidentifiable notched tail feathers and conical beak. 

Female
American
Goldfinch

At first glance, you might second-guess your spotting, but then you realize, it is a still wearing a bit of its winter garb. The female will not be far behind the male in arriving. They both can present in the muted, or more subtle browns and olives of the winter. However, it will be the male that completely changes into the beautiful gold-yellow (some would say lemon-yellow) with the black front cap we all hope to see before they continue north. 

Goldfinches are usually open field feeders, preferring the seedy weeds of meadows and grassy fields. Insects are also a top food choice, which are plentiful in such environments. However, during migration, usually beginning mid-winter, it is not uncommon to spot those gorgeous signs of Spring's arrival at your backyard feeder. They will be hungry and needing  to fatten up for their long travel north to their annual breeding grounds. So, it will be important to stock up on two of their favorite foods: thistle seed (nyjer) and sunflower seeds. I have also found that lots of fresh water is always enjoyed for bathing as well as consuming. I love to see them gathering at the birdbath and watching them take an afternoon splash with the regulars in my backyard.

Male
American
Goldfinch

Do not be surprised if they arrive in small to medium sized flocks. They are also known to travel in groups with similar size birds such as the Pine Siskin. 

Enjoy them while they are around because, before you know it, they will have moved onto the next feeding station to continue their journey north to start their families.




For interesting facts and information click on the following links below:

Call/Sounds of the Goldfinch. / The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Migratory Information of the Goldfinch. / McGill Bird Observatory

Nesting and related information about the Goldfinch. / Audubon: Guide to North American Birds