American goldfinch

Bright as a dandelion, the American goldfinch is one of the last songbirds to nest, waiting for thistle and other seeds to ripen before raising its young. In summer the males turn a brilliant lemon yellow with a black cap, a bright flash against green leaves and seed heads. Goldfinches are late nesters, waiting until midsummer when thistle and other seeds are plentiful.

Breeding males are brilliant yellow with a black cap and black wings marked with white bars, while females and winter birds are a softer olive-yellow. Goldfinches feed mostly on seeds, and are regular visitors to feeders stocked with nyjer or sunflower seed. They are often seen in small flocks, and their rolling, bouncing flight is easy to recognize. Their bouncy, undulating flight and cheerful flight call make them easy to notice, and in winter they swap yellow for a soft, olive-brown plumage.

This is a favourite frame of a male American goldfinch, perched on the rocks in summer light.

Male American goldfinch in bright yellow breeding plumage perched on a rock, with a black cap and black-and-white wings

Photos

  • Male American goldfinch in bright yellow breeding plumage perched on a rock, with a black cap and black-and-white wings
  • Female American goldfinch perched on a shepherd’s hook, with olive-yellow plumage and an orange bill
  • American goldfinch photographed in Manitoba, 2
  • American goldfinch photographed in Manitoba, 3

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.