2020 A to Z Challenge!
G is for the American Goldfinch!
Photo credit to Cornell Lab of Ornithology
This handsome little finch, the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and
Washington, is welcome and common at feeders, where it takes primarily
sunflower and nyjer. Goldfinches often flock with Pine Siskins and
Common Redpolls. Spring males are brilliant yellow and shiny black with a
bit of white. Females and all winter birds are more dull but
identifiable by their conical bill; pointed, notched tail; wingbars; and
lack of streaking. During molts they look bizarrely patchy.
Goldfinches are usually easy to find throughout much of North America, except in deep forests. Their po-ta-to-chip flight call draws attention to them in open country. They’re most abundant in areas with thistle plants, and near feeders.
Go to this link to hear their sounds.
And have a lovely day!
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