The American Goldfinch, a charming finch species, is recognized as the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington. These delightful birds are commonly found and warmly welcomed at Birdfy. They primarily feed on sunflower and nyjer seeds.

During spring, male American Goldfinches display a brilliant combination of yellow and shiny black feathers with touches of white. In contrast, females and winter birds have a more subdued appearance but can be identified by their conical bills and pointed, notched tails. They undergo molting, which gives them a patchy appearance.

Here are some key details about the American Goldfinch: 

- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Lifespan: 3-6 years on average
- Size: 4.3–5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.39–0.71 ounces (11–20 grams)
- Wingspan: 7.5–8.7 inches

Distribution and Habitat: 

American Goldfinches are short-distance migrants, moving south when temperatures approach freezing, typically around 0°F. They winter in southern Canada and migrate south through the United States, reaching parts of Mexico. Their natural habitats include weedy fields, floodplains, cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and even backyards. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially during winter.

Backyard Presence:

To attract American Goldfinches to your backyard, ensure the birdseed remains fresh and dry. Use baffles to keep it dry and choose feeders that allow air circulation to prevent mold. Cleaning up hulls and spilled seed under feeders minimizes the risk of spreading diseases to other ground-feeding birds.

Breeding Behavior:

Once a male American Goldfinch finds a mate, he establishes a territory by marking boundaries with warbling songs while flying from perch to perch. The female takes the lead in nest building, typically during late summer. Nest construction takes about six days, with the female working in short increments. While the male may assist with carrying nesting materials, the female handles most of the construction.