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American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

Length: 5 inches Wingspan: 9 inches Seasonality: Summer / All Seasons
ID Keys: Summer male distinctive, with black tail, wings and forehead on yellow body.  More muted colors in winter.

American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristisThe male is brightly plumaged in summer (see photo at the right), while both male and female are duller brown in the winter (see photos at the bottom of the page).  Goldfinches are common visitors to residential feeders, and are well-known for their "per-chickory" calls.   

Habitat: Roadsides, residential areas, brushy fields, forest edges, and orchards.

Diet: Mostly seeds.  Also buds, sap, and occasionally insects.

Behavior: Often forages in small flocks, clambering and climbing over vegetation and seed heads.  During the start of the breeding season, males can be seen giving a flight display, singing while they fly.

Nesting: July and August

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Click to listen to the American Goldfinch

Migration: Irregular resident in the winter, with large numbers staying one year and very few the next.

Similar Species: Lesser Goldfinch

Status: Widespread and common, with local fluctuations in populations but no widespread trend.

Feeders: Will attend feeders for thistle (niger) and sunflower seeds.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, American Goldfinch

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - American Goldfinch"

3) eNature.com: American Goldfinch

Photo Information: April 23rd, 2004 -- House in Brandon -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution American Goldfinch photos.

 

American Goldfinch - North American Range Map
South Dakota Status: Common summer resident and migrant statewide.  Common winter resident in the south, much less common in the northern part of the state.