American Goldfinch

colorful birds · finches · North America · travelers

Brilliant yellow plumage. Male American goldfinches are strikingly bright yellow with black wings and a white belly during breeding season. In winter, both males and females turn olive-brown and dull to blend in better with their surroundings.

Long-distance travelers. These birds migrate thousands of miles each year, breeding in northern regions from mid-Alberta to North Carolina in summer, then flying south to Mexico and the southern United States for winter.

Seed-eating specialists. American goldfinches love eating seeds from thistles, dandelions, and other plants, which is why you might see them in weedy fields and gardens. They're one of the few birds that eat mostly seeds year-round.

Molting magic. Goldfinches are unusual because they have two complete molts per year, which is why their appearance changes so dramatically between seasons. Most birds only molt once a year.

Cheerful singers. These little birds have sweet, tinkling songs and calls that sound like they're saying 'per-chick-o-ree.' You can often hear them before you spot them in the trees.